A PEACE campaigner who burned his American passport in protest against the Iraq War has lodged a formal complaint against the police.

James Derieg publicly renounced his US citizenship outside the gates of RAF Fairford during the conflict and sent a letter explaining his reasons to the US State Department.

But, he claims that when he returned to join fellow protesters at a camp outside the base at a later date, he was refused entry by police.

Now the 40-year-old has written to the Police Comp-laints Authority claiming his rights were violated. He has also written to the Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Police, Timothy Brain.

In the letter to the PCA he says: "The result I am hoping for is an apology for the misunderstanding and assurance that my freedom to express my political views will only be infringed for legitimate and appropriate reasons.

"It is with regret that I feel obliged to involve the PCA."

Mr Derieg, who lives in Kemble, but originates from Los Angeles, says he tried to gain access to the peace camp at around 2pm on April 21.

But a number of roads in the area were closed for security reasons and he says officers from the Cleveland force one of 18 forces drafted in to help police the base refused him entry.

He says the officers told him they were concerned for his safety as a result of the dangers of blast effects from B52 bombers.

Gloucestershire Police spokesman Steve Partridge said the force had not received any formal notification from the PCA about Mr Derieg's complaint. "If we do receive one it will be given due consideration."