AN INVESTIGATION is being carried out after a claim that police officers manhandled a young man who suffered horrific burns in an accident seven years ago.

Alfred Page was just 12 when he was left badly scarred by the fire incident in Gillingham. His family say it is still obvious he is a burns victim and his skin is paper-thin as a result.

They complained to Medway Police after officers allegedly grabbed Alfred and pushed him into an alleyway when he was mistaken for a suspected shoplifter.

The 19-year-old had been shopping and paying some bills in Gillingham, and was making his way home when the incident is said to have happened on August 9.

Alfred said he was "terrified" at the time, and suffered a bruised shoulder.

His parents, Arthur and Maria, said they contacted police about the matter four times before receiving a call back.

Ch Insp Peter Wedlake, of Medway Police said: "A full investigation is currently underway, and it would be inappropriate to comment further until we have had the opportunity to interview all parties involved."

* See Monday's Medway Messenger for the full story.