A Croydon builder who claims he was pushed head-first down the stairs in his home by police is now suing for £50,000 compensation.

John Charles Roberts said he was "rushed by at least two police" after they investigated allegations of domestic violence, made by his partner at his home in Grenaby Road, Croydon, in April 2007.

Lord Justice Patten, sitting with Lords Justice Pill and MacFarlane, told London's Civil Appeal Court: "He said he was rushed by at least two people, forced to the ground and then handcuffed."

Mr Roberts also claims he was "kicked and punched several times around the chest and legs" and the judge added: "He claims he was taken to the top of the stairs with his arms handcuffed behind him and pushed down the stairs, falling head-first."

The 51-year-old was arrested and held overnight at South Norwood police station, but was subsequently acquitted of an assault charge by Croydon Magistrates in June 2007.

The builder said he suffered severe elbow injuries and is now suing the Metropolitan Police for alleged assault, unlawful arrest and detention and malicious prosecution.

The Police deny all of his allegations and are strenuously defending the lawsuit.

His case reached the Appeal Court on April 3 as he challenged a ruling by a Croydon County Court judge last August, which barred him from pursuing his assault claim.

The county court judge decided his assault case was "time-barred" because Mr Roberts lodged his claim outside of the strict three-year-deadline.

However, Lord Justice Pattern rule the judge wrongly decided the officers involved would be "prejudiced" by allowing the assault claim to proceed because of the delay.

The ruling means Mr Roberts' action against the Met will now proceed in the county court- with damages between £25,000 to £50,000 being claimed from the Met.