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GOBSMACKED: David Williams shows off his bruises.
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Shopowner nicked in police dummy run
Eve Dugdale16/ 5/2007
ARMED police swooped on a house following reports of a gun-toting figure... to find a mannequin of computer game herione Lara Croft.
David Williams, of Astley Street, thought it was a practical joke when officers burst into his back garden just after midnight on Friday.
He had phoned the police earlier to report nuisance phone calls, but says he was 'gobsmacked' after being pinned to the ground then handcuffed after officers saw the Tomb Raider mannequin's silhouette in his front window.
"They were all in body armour and were shouting their heads off for me to get down on my hands and knees," said David, 42.
"I've never been in trouble with the police so at first I thought it was a prank.
"I was dumbfounded, I said they'd got the wrong house. I got up and they grabbed hold of me and threw me on the floor. One of them had his foot on my back and said 'where's the weapon?'"
Police say they had attended the address on Mr Williams' request after he made reports of harassment.
They say that after knocking at the door several times they looked through a window and saw the silhouette.
Mr Williams, a dad of two, has owned Dukinfield Consoles computer shop for 15 years. He had brought the rare mannequin home from the shop to sell on eBay.
"When I saw them come into the police station with the Lara Croft statue I couldn't believe it."
Mr Williams was arrested on suspicion of a firearm offence and kept in a police cell for 13 hours.
He has since been released on bail until next month.
He said: "I'm just really glad my kids weren't at home, it's the only night of the week they stay out. My house was tipped upside down in the police search. My drawers were out, the bedding was off, they went in my attic."
A police spokesman said the force had followed correct procedure contacting firearms officers.
Lara Croft remains in custody.
Click on the video link below for Channel M's report ...
Most recent 2 of 6 user comments
I can imagine the comments down at the station too, some copper is going to get ribbed for the rest of his career.
18/05/2007 at 12:15
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I am disgusted with how they treated this man, I used to buy my games from him when I was a kid, he is a decent bloke and did not deserve this treatment.
Dave, do not stop until you have won a claim against these foolish officers, it will take time, but you will win.
There is a funny side to this, as you said yourself the funny side is how stupid and incompetent the police have been in this matter and like everyone, they should pay for their mistakes.
21/05/2007 at 16:50