Arrested man 'needed cancer drug'

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The cancer patient, who was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, was never charged with any offence

A cancer patient who has to take drugs every three hours has claimed he was deprived of his medication for 15 hours when arrested by Norfolk Police.

No charges were brought against Andrew Fish, who lives near Fakenham.

When he answered bail six weeks after his arrest for suspected kidnap, he was told the case had been dropped.

He is demanding an apology from Norfolk Police who said they were looking into his case, but were disappointed he had not contacted them first.

Mr Fish said he had had surgery for throat cancer and had an inoperable tumour.

'Serious allegations'

When he was arrested he said he told police about his medication, but was taken to North Walsham for questioning without it and was detained for most of the day.

He has contacted his MP Norman Lamb, who has taken up the case and arranged a three-way meeting with Norfolk Police.

Deputy Chief Constable Ian Learmonth said: "We are sorry if Mr Fish feels his treatment in our custody warrants a complaint and we have begun an urgent review of his custody record.

"Mr Fish was arrested on suspicion of very serious allegations.

"When prisoners are booked in they are asked if they are on medication - this is recorded and a signature is required.

"Our inquiry will seek to find out exactly what happened.

"We could have begun our review earlier if Mr Fish had contacted us first."