Source: Telegraph
Premiership footballer questioned by police for 'looking in jeweller's shop window'
Victor Anichebe, who plays for Everton, was with a friend in Knutsford, Cheshire, when officers descended on the pair.[LNB]They had been instructed to act by CCTV operators after a series of robberies in the area.[LNB] Related ArticlesPolice apologise to Everton footballer Victor Anichebe[LNB]Everton striker Victor Anichebe receives personal police apology[LNB]Everton's Victor Anichebe unhappy with Police over jewellery arrest[LNB]Joe Kinnear and Phil Brown see red as Newcastle exit FA Cup[LNB]Everton rely on Victor Anichebe magic[LNB]During a "heated exchange" between the two men and police, the 20-year-old striker's friend was handcuffed before eventually being released.[LNB]Nigerian-born Anichebe, 20, who was on crutches with his leg in plaster after an injury protested his innocence.[LNB]Ian Ross, spokesman for Everton, 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.[LNB]"Once he has received that both the club and the player will consider the matter closed."[LNB]Cheshire Police would not respond to alleged comments from the pair that white men would not have received the same treatment.[LNB]But a police source said no complaints had been received.[LNB]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.[LNB]"We have robust plans in place to respond swiftly to any report of any suspicious activity at or in the vicinity of jewellers' premises.[LNB]"As part of that plan, local CCTV operators actively and routinely monitor shopping areas and jewellers' premises, and on this occasion, identified what appeared to be two men acting suspiciously outside a jeweller's store on King Street, Knutsford.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"During the course of this exchange, an officer took the decision to restrain one of the two men concerned by applying handcuffs.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"It is only right and proper that the Police act expeditiously in protecting vulnerable premises such as jewellery shops.[LNB]"We seek in all cases to ask for co-operation from the public in respect of not only reporting suspicious activity in or around such areas, but also their co-operation if an officer feels it is necessary and appropriate to make enquiries into such matters."[LNB] [LNB]
