A suspended York policeman claims he was threatened with arrest and had his arm forced up his back by another officer in an incident outside a city nightclub.

Arthur Swaine, who was formerly a licensing officer in York, said he was worried that an ordinary member of the public in the same situation would have been arrested and taken away for no reason.

Mr Swaine, who is currently suspended on full pay, said he went to Toffs nightclub at about midnight on Monday.

He said he left the club at about 1.30am, and in Toft Green a man was being restrained "in a very professional manner" by police officers.

Mr Swaine said he heard a policeman saying someone had an offensive weapon, and he then - drawing on his police background - made a comment about the length of the blade. He alleged one of the officers, whom he did not recognise, then swore at him and asked what it had to do with him. Mr Swaine said he told him he was just commenting on the situation.

He claimed the officer then told him he was under arrest and "stuck my arm behind my back" and started taking him towards a police van.

Mr Swaine said another officer, whom he knew, told him to go home - and he replied that he would, if the other man let go of his arm.

He later decided to complain, but claimed officers at Fulford Road Police Station tried to fob him off, saying no Inspector was available.

Mr Swaine said he persisted, and eventually an Inspector came from Scarborough to see him. He was also examined by a police surgeon and his own GP, and said he had suffered pain and discomfort and a slight scratch to his arm.

"It's disturbing that police a officer can react in that sort of manner," he said. "He acted irresponsibly, and way over the top for that sort of situation."

He added: "What concerns me is that Joe Public, who's out and enjoying himself, can be accosted by a police officer in those circumstances. It obviously doesn't do anything for community relations."

Superintendent John Lacy of York Police said he would never comment on individual complaints against officers by members of the public.

He added: "The system is that any member of the public can make a complaint, and they are thoroughly and impartially investigated."

Updated: 16:04 Wednesday, April 04, 2001