12/03/2009

Premiership Star Mistaken For Jewel Thief

A Premier League striker has asked for an apology from police who confronted him after they mistook him for a jewel thief.

Everton star Victor Anichebe and a friend were looking in a jeweller's window when Cheshire Police swooped on them, after thinking they were casing the shop.

The 20-year-old - who was wearing a leg cast after surgery - is now demanding an apology from police.

Up to five officers, who were directed by CCTV, rushed to the scene in Knutsford, Cheshire, and began a "heated dialogue" with Anichebe and his friend.

The friend of Nigerian-born Premier League player was handcuffed after police thought they may have been part of raiders responsible for robberies on exclusive King Street.

Everton FC spokesman Ian Ross said: "Victor was deeply upset and very distressed by the incident.

"I believe he is still waiting for a full and unreserved apology from the police involved.

"Once he has received that both the club and the player will consider the matter closed."

Police have defended their reaction, saying it was part of a "robust" response plan following a recent spate of robberies at jewellers in Cheshire.

A police spokesman said: "For some time Cheshire Constabulary have been responding to a series of violent robberies targeting jewellers in Knutsford and in the wider Cheshire area."

The spokesman continued: "As part of the plan, local CCTV operators identified what appeared to be two men acting suspiciously outside a jeweller's store on King Street.

"Police attended the location within minutes and upon speaking with the two men, a heated dialogue developed in an attempt to ascertain exactly what the two persons were doing outside the jeweller's premises.

"During the course of this exchange, an officer took the decision to restrain one of the two men concerned by applying handcuffs.

"It was subsequently ascertained that there was no criminal conduct whatsoever on behalf of the two men concerned and they were in no way involved in any criminal activity."

(JM/BMcC)

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