Gordon Brown’s visit to Sittingbourne this week caused an unexpected ordeal for one resident.

Neil Stedman, 33, was on his way home from work the 2.03pm train from London Victoria when he noticed a high police presence on the train.

He asked a policeman what was going on and was told the PM was onboard.

Neil, of Galena Close, Sittingbourne, said: “My father-in-law is a lifelong staunch Labour supporter so I wanted to get a photo.

“I asked the policeman if it would be OK and he said it would be fine.”

The officer suggested Neil wait until they had all got off the train, and try and get the picture from the platform.

So when the train pulled into Sittingbourne station, Neil got off with his camera phone ready in his pocket.

But no sooner had he stepped onto the platform, he was bundled away by three of Mr Brown’s security staff, thinking there was something much more sinister in his pocket than a camera phone.

Neil was told he would have to be kept for questioning, but after quickly explaining what he was going to do, the problem was resolved.

He added: “I told them my intentions and it didn’t take that long to sort it out, but it’s a shame I missed my opportunity.

“It was all a bit dramatic really – it’s not every day you get the Prime Minster down here.

“I thought it was very commendable he was travelling on public transport and that the police were so vigilant – they were doing their job.”