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Damages of pounds 150,000 were awarded against police in London who falsely arrested two Turkish refugees who fled to Britain to escape persecution. Haci Bozkurt, 35, and Baki Ates, 34, were allegedly punched and one was hit with a truncheon after they were arrested for violent disorder during a protest outside the Halkevi Community Centre, in Stoke Newington, north London, in 1991. Mr Bozkurt suffered a broken nose and Mr Ates a black eye and bruised lip. Charges against the men later collapsed.

A jury at Central London County Court found police officers at Stoke Newington guilty of using excessive force, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution after a six day trial. Both men had been granted political asylum after fleeing police persecution in Turkey for their left wing views. Police are appealing against the award.