Black motorist Harold McFarlane has accused police of stopping him in his sporty car more than 20 times in two years.

And the dad-of-three blasted the Thames Valley force for racism after repeated spot-checks in his Vauxhall Calibra, which had a personalised number plate.

Mr McFarlane, 33, hit out after a police case against him was dropped at Oxford Magistrates' Court. He was surrounded by 25 supporters protesting at "unwarranted harassment".

He said: "In a way I am disappointed the case didn't go ahead because I wanted to highlight the actions of the police. "I feel like I have been victimised and as a result I have made an official complaint to Thames Valley Police."

Mr McFarlane, of Emperor Gardens, Greater Leys, Oxford, added that he now wanted to be left alone to get on with his life and his job, driving disabled children to and from school.

He had been arrested on December 4 because he drove off in exasperation after being stopped yet again. Police charged him with threatening behaviour - although that was later reduced to obstructing officers.

He pleaded not guilty and the case was discontinued when the officer concerned failed to turn up at court.

Dolcie Obhiozele, of the Campaign Against Racist Policing, said a residents' meeting due to be held in Blackbird Leys next month would discuss the issues surrounding Mr McFarlane case.

She added: "We need to talk these issues through with the police. Harold has been treated unfairly." Police spokesman Bob Gray said: "We take this matter very seriously. We are in discussion with Mr McFarlane about these allegations.

"However, as this is now the subject of an official complaint, it would be inappropriate to discuss the details of this particular case."

The complaint will be referred to the Police Complaints Authority.

Story date: Friday 19 March

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