A MOTORIST whose car was taken away on behalf of the police without his knowledge and allegedly damaged has won his battle for cash to repair his vehicle.

Martin Brown returned from a night out to find his Mazda MX5 was missing from where he parked in near his home in Orford Road, Walthamstow.

Hewas later told police had it removed as they believed it contained evidence necessary for a prosecution following a brawl during which a 16-year-old was stabbed.

Five days after the incident, on October 22, he picked up the car from a pound in Enfield, only to find it covered in forensic dust with a large dent in the driver's side rear wing.

It cost Mr Brown £235 to repair the damage and a further £15 for specialist cleaning to remove the dust Police carried out an examination of the vehicle before taking it away and recorded minor scratches on the bodywork but no dent, suggesting the damage was done after the car was towed.

But neither C&S Motors who towed the car, or LAR Traffic Services, who stored it, accepted responsibility for the damage.

But following complaints, threats of legal action and Guardian enquiries, the two companies have now agreed to split the cost.

Mark Armitage, C&S Motors training manager, said the move was a “gesture of goodwill” although the company is still not accepting liability.

Mr Brown said he was pleased he is getting reimbursed, but still believes police should take responsibility when cars are removed for their purposes.

Police can legally seize property in a public place if they believe that it is evidence in relation to a public offence.

A 16-year-old youth was taken to hospital with minor stab wounds following the brawl on October 17. Nobody has been arrested.

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