AN INTERNATIONAL sprinter who was mistaken for an armed robber feared heavy-handed police tactics would end his Olympic dream.

Great Britain 100m runner James Ellington was dragged from his car and tied up by armed police in Bellingham because they thought he was a suspect.

Now the 20-year-old has told how he feared his career could have been at risk due to the "excessive force" used by the police officers.

Mr Ellington was on his way home from visiting a friend, in Bromley Road, Catford, when he saw five police cars on his tail.

The cars surrounded him as he got to the Beckenham Hill estate, ordering him to pull over.

The promising sprinter, who finished fifth in last year's European under-23 championships, was dragged from his car.

He claims he was then thrown to the ground and kneed in the back before having his hands tied.

Mr Ellington, who harbours ambitions of competing in the 2008 Olympics, suffered knee and back injuries.

He said: "It was horrible. I was thinking my career could be in danger.

"I have never been in trouble with the police in my life. I don't know why they went after me."

After his 20-minute ordeal on November 22, police realised they had the wrong man and released Mr Ellington.

The Bellingham resident claims the officers apologised and said they were "only doing their job" but he was not offered any first-aid care.

Mr Ellington, who has now made a formal complaint against the police, added: "I accept they have a job to do but they don't need to use excessive force.

"If they are not 100 per cent sure they shouldn't be dragging people from cars."

Scotland Yard say they will investigate any complaint received.