Briton 'beaten up and abused' by US police

British tourist Mehmet Mahmut told today how he became the victim of "terrorist paranoia" sweeping America when he was beaten and racially abused by New York police officers.

During his ordeal the 41-year-old London computer engineer said he was held for 28 hours, forced to the ground and scraped against the floor - suffering scratches and bruises and chest injuries.

The London-born Turkish Muslim said: "They kept asking me if I was Iranian and whether I had fundamental Islamic beliefs.

"They did not believe I was a British citizen. They were convinced I was a terrorist. When I wouldn't give them the answers they were looking for, they pushed me to the ground and beat me.

"These police officers treated me like a dog. They simply judged me by the colour of my skin and by my name," he said.

Mr Mahmut, who was on a five-day trip to the US with his partner, Rubina Latif, was seized after the couple returned from a shopping trip. Problems started with a mix-up over a bus ticket. They could not find their ticket for the coach journey back to the city but were allowed on when they produced a receipt.

But once back at the bus depot, Mr Mahmut says the driver became aggressive and refused to allow them off the bus. Police were called and Mr Mahmut was handcuffed.

"They kept saying that I was scum. One asked me if I was Muslim, then he told me to shut up and that I was going to jail for a long time," he said.

Mr Mahmut, who has a kidney problem, said he had to drink water from a fountain also being used as a urinal.

Ms Latif, 37, was questioned for two hours before police let her go. Mr Mahmut is receiving medication for his injuries and trauma.

The couple, from South Norwood, have contacted the Police Complaints Bureau in New York over their treatment. They also plan to take legal action.

A NYPD spokesman refused to comment on the case.