SAS Star Melvyn Downes Blasts Police Over Humiliating Stop and Search Incidents
Melvyn Downes, the former Sergeant Major and star of SAS: Who Dares Wins, has publicly criticised police after sharing a video of himself being stopped and searched by officers, marking the second such incident he has experienced. The 60-year-old veteran, who served 24 years in the British Army, took to Instagram on Friday night to recount what he described as a humiliating ordeal, urging for improved police tactics and intelligence-based targeting.
First Incident: Legitimate £50 Note Sparks Search
Downes explained that several years ago, he went to buy his wife a gift at a Boots pharmacy in London using a £50 note, which was suspected to be counterfeit. This led to five police officers conducting a search on him in front of a shop full of people. He told his followers, I was totally humiliated getting searched in front of a shop full of people but once the police saw a military I.D they stopped immediately & the police Sgt actually admitted they knew from the start it was a legitimate £50 note. He emphasised that police should target with intelligence & not just appearance, highlighting concerns over racial profiling and discrimination.
Second Incident and Public Outcry
The married father-of-three stated he had planned to never mention the initial exchange until he was recently stopped again, prompting him to speak out. In a video shared alongside his caption, officers from the City of London Police, identifiable by their red and white chequered hats, are seen searching Downes as he tells the camera, Here I am getting searched by the police. They think I've got fake money on me. Done nothing wrong. Just letting you know. This is part of the UK. Downes expressed respect for the military and law enforcement but called for correct training & tactics to prevent such incidents.
Background and Broader Context of Discrimination
Melvyn Downes joined SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2021, becoming the show's first mixed-race officer. Last year, he revealed the brutal truth about being Britain's first black SAS soldier in a column for the Daily Mail, recounting instances of racial discrimination during his military career. In one incident, he faced a vile racial slur from fellow soldiers, which he had to endure to avoid jeopardising his selection process. This history underscores his ongoing advocacy against prejudice and unfair treatment.
The City of London Police has been approached for comment by the Daily Mail, but no response has been provided yet. Downes's story has sparked discussions about police conduct, racial bias, and the need for systemic changes in law enforcement practices across the UK.
