This is the moment NYPD cops taser a person of colour in a tube carriage in an incident that has sparked debate among police advocates and Black Lives Matter activists.

The footage shows the man, identified as David Crowell, swearing at officers and refusing to leave the New York City Subway train on 6th July.

The police shared footage of the incident on social media late on Wednesday.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) said the suspect, who had paid his tube fare, opened the emergency gate for another commuter.

Officers intervened and the other man apologised and paid for his ticket, however, Crowell then started verbally abusing officers.

Among other obscenities, Crowell is quoted as saying: “I’m going to rush you”, “f*ck you p*ssy” and “f*ck the police”.

Footage also shows the moment an officer tasers the suspect while he apparently resists arrest.

However, despite Crowell’s apparent hostility to the police, Black Lives Matter activist Anthony Beckford said of the incident: “Response was above the top. That response was the textbook of police brutality.”

Pat Lynch, president of the Police Benevolent Association, defended the officers, saying: “Insults alone don’t phase us, but when they cross over into threats of violence, we need to take action.

“If this individual felt bold enough to threaten a group of uniformed cops, what is he going to do to those straphangers once the train doors close?”

Crowell faces multiple charges, including harassment and resisting arrest.

The police also said that the suspect is a gang member with a criminal history.

Crowell is reportedly being represented by New York County Defender Services.