A police officer filmed beating a teenage football fan with a baton has been found dead just weeks before his trial.

PC William Sampson, 27, sent the teen crashing to the ground with a bloodied face following a game between Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday.

The young fan was taken to hospital with head injuries, sparking a furious backlash and a probe from the police watchdog.

PC Sampson, known as ‘Billy’, was due to face trial in March after pleading not guilty to unlawful and malicious wounding at a previous court hearing.

But South Yorkshire Police confirmed he was found dead at his home on Friday afternoon. He had been placed on restricted duties pending the outcome of his trial.

A spokesperson said: ‘We are incredibly saddened by news of Billy’s death.

‘Our thoughts remain with Billy’s family and loved ones and they will be offered our full support.’

Shocking video footage of the incident showed Sampson charging towards the teen before hitting him over the head with his police-issued baton.

A woman, reported to be the teen’s mum, can be heard screaming, ‘what have you done to my son?’ as blood pours down his face.

Officers were monitoring fans as they made their way from the football ground towards the train station.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation and referred a file to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), who then charged Sampson with assault.

When the probe was launched, IOPC Regional Director David Ford said: ‘We understand why the images that were circulated caused considerable public concern.

‘After the footage was shared on social media, a mandatory referral was made to us in relation to the conduct of the officer.

‘It is vitally important that the circumstances of the incident are subject to an independent investigation so we can fully understand what happened and impartially determine the facts.’

Barnsley supporter Spencer White, who filmed the footage, said after the incident: ‘With it being a derby the atmosphere during and after the game was rowdy.

‘I was making my way home when I saw two fans fighting, so I started to record it just in case anything happened.

‘As soon as I did this officer sprinted in and whacked a Wednesday fan over the head.

‘I couldn’t believe it, I’ve never seen anything like it. The officer didn’t try and intervene or calm anyone down he just hit the lad straight away, it seemed really unnecessary.’

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