09/07/2008

'Mistaken Identity' Graduate Tells Of 'Ordeal'

An Oxford University Graduate who was wrongly held at gunpoint by police has written about his "terrifying" ordeal.

Armed officers from Dorset swooped on Bournemouth train station just before 6pm on Saturday after receiving a tip-off that an armed robbery suspect was on the train.

Nzube Udezue, 21, was ordered to lie on the ground before being taken away for interrogation.

It is believed that around 10 police officers were involved in the operation.

The computer science gradutate, from Bournemouth, was later released without charge after police realised it was a case of mistaken identity.

In his internet blog, Mr Udezue, a rap artist, said he has "never been so traumatised" in his life.

"It took me a couple of seconds to realise that it was me all those guns were aimed at.

"I honestly felt like I'd stepped off the train into a really bad dream," he said.

The rapper added that he is "shocked, confused, scared and embarrassed all at the same time".

The case has been voluntarily referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

The incident followed an alleged firearms incident in Basingstoke, Hampshire, just before 6pm on Saturday.

It is understood that Mr Udezue, who was wearing a black T-shirt with orange writing, matched a description of the suspect.

A Hampshire Police spokeswoman said that five men were arrested on Sunday morning in relation to the Basingstoke incident.

In a statement, Dorset Police have apologised and said they "are continuing to provide ongoing support to the innocent man – as well as his family – after the appointment of a dedicated family liaison officer".

The IPCC has requested Dorset Police's Professional Standards Department investigate the three forces involved – Dorset, Hampshire and the British Transport Police.

The Times newspaper has reported that police has stopped almost 1.9 million people last year to ask them to account for their movements. Black people were more than twice as likely to have been stopped that white people.

Overall, 955,000 stop-and-searches were conducted last year, the highest figure for seven years.

See: Apology Over Armed Cop's Blunder

(DS)

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