A 42-year-old man alleges he was assaulted, wrongly arrested and suffered racial abuse at the hands of Kent police officers.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is overseeing an investigation into complaints made by Anthony Laudat about his arrest in Dartford. The investigation’s conclusion is due this summer.

Mr Laudat, of Barking Road, Canning Town, east London, said one officer had racially abused him.

Speaking to the Dartford Messenger, in June, 2006, he said: “He shoved his hand in my face and I threw a punch in self defence.”

He admitted he had drunk five to six pints and said: “There was a bit of a tussle and I kneed an officer in the abdomen.”

An IPCC spokesman said: “We are managing an investigation by Kent police’s professional standards department, into complaints...by Anthony Laudat.

“The investigation into Mr Laudat’s complaint is almost complete. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”

Mr Laudat’s complaints include unlawful/unnecessary arrest or detention, racially discriminatory behaviour, assault, failure in duty and irregularity in evidence. The incident took place in Dartford, on May 26, 2005.

Kent police were called to deal with Mr Laudat because he was in breach of a court injunction that prevented him having contact with his ex-partner.

Mr Laudat claimed officers had shoved him and gripped hold of his clothing, but he admitted he had been drinking that night.

He said: “I was emotionally upset and I wanted to be allowed to calm down by myself.”

Kent police say that when Mr Laudat appeared before Dartford County Court the day after the incident he was remanded in custody for the breach of the injunction.

Race equality leader Dev Sharma was confident the investigation would reveal the truth.

Mr Sharma, the director of North West Kent Racial Equality Council, said: “I am confident that the IPCC will look at all the facts and bring a very reasoned result.

“Similarly, Kent Police are very strict and do not tolerate any kind of racism or excessive force. I am sure there will be a thorough investigation.”

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