There’s an investigation underway into an alleged use of excessive force by an RCMP officer against a female youth.

It stems from an arrest earlier this month in West Hants, where a struggle ensued between the youth and two officers in a holding cell.

The youth allegedly struck an officer in the face, then one of the officers struck the youth multiple times.

It’s now in the hands of the Serious Incident Response Team.

Southwest Nova police superintendent Dan Morrow says the member has been placed on administrative duties.

He says they’re taking this allegation very seriously.