The “ordeal” of a retired special constable arrested and handcuffed for warning about anti-Semitism is “unacceptable”, according to Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

Matthew Scott is demanding answers of Chief Constable Tim Smith why six officers descended on the home of Gillingham man Julian Foulkes and seized electronic devices in a search.

Mr Foulkes said today (May 12) “someone has to take a stand” and has launched a legal action against the force over his alleged treatment.

Kent Police, which has apologised for its actions, cautioned the 71-year-old at the time, which he found “devastating”.

Mr Scott said in a statement: “The ordeal [he] has been through during the last 18 months is unacceptable. I am pleased Kent Police has apologised to him and removed the caution from his record.

“I thank Mr Foulkes for his service in policing and I am truly sorry for what he has experienced. My priorities are that the police should be focused on cutting crime, supporting victims and building trust.

“I am taking this matter very seriously and I am raising these concerns with the Chief Constable.”

The Telegraph reported over the weekend how Mr Foulkes was arrested for challenging a pro-Palestine supporter on the X social media platform, formerly known as Twitter.

On October 30, 2023, an individual had tweeted threatening to sue former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who had called pro-Palestine protests “hate marches”, if she called them an anti-Semite.

In response, Mr Foulkes replied: “One step away from storming Heathrow looking for Jewish arrivals…”

The Metropolitan Police Intelligence Command referred his post to Kent Police for “concerns around online content” two days later.

Mr Foulkes was finger-printed, questioned and cautioned after being kept in a cell for hours.

Speaking on the doorstep of his smart detached house, Mr Foulkes, who spent a decade as a special constable, said: “It’s all very disappointing. It has got to end and that’s why someone has to take stand.

“I have been advised by my lawyer not to say anything more at this time.”

His legal action is being backed by the Free Speech Union (FSU) which has raised £35,000 of a £50,000 through a ‘crowdfunder’ appeal.

The FSU donations page reads: “The emotional fallout has been devastating. Julian lost one of his daughters in a hit-and-run 15 years ago and his surviving daughter now lives in Australia.

“His greatest fear while he was being held in police custody was that a criminal record might prevent him from visiting her, which is why, despite having done nothing wrong, he felt compelled to accept a caution.

“With our help, Julian, who has now joined the Free Speech Union, is going to sue the force for wrongful arrest, as well as unlawful interference in his right to liberty.

“After the ordeal he was put through, he deserves to be given a substantial sum in compensation. But to hold Kent Police to account he needs your help. Please donate to his crowdfunder so he can get the justice he deserves.”

A Kent Police statement said: “On November 2, 2023 a report was made about a social media post that was alleged to have been offensive, and Mr Foulkes was arrested.

“Although he was offered and accepted an unconditional caution following his own independent legal advice, a subsequent review of the case by the force concluded that the caution was not appropriate in the circumstances and should not have been issued.

“Kent Police apologises to Mr Foulkes for the distress caused and how the report was investigated. We have expunged the caution from his record and are pleased to facilitate this correction.

“Mr Foulkes has been informed of the decision and a further review of the matter will now be carried out to identify any learning opportunities.”