1:21pm Saturday 20th March 2010
By Emily Walker, Chief Reporter
Airport security shouted at a man with a prosthetic leg to take off his shoes.
Johnny Wakelin said he felt compelled to talk about his experience at Heathrow airport after hearing that Heather Mills's leg was swabbed for explosives.
The disabled passenger said he was sure the whole incident was a misunderstanding but said it added to the difficulties of living with an artificial limb.
Mr Wakelin, of Denton Drive, Hollingbury, Brighton, said: “I realise it is important for them to make sure it is safe, but there is no need for such rudeness.”
The 71-year-old was preparing to fly to New York when he came up against the unhelpful staff at the airport.
He approached security staff to tell them about his metal leg, which he wears after losing his limb at the age of 16 in a motorbike accident, but said he was repeatedly told by one officer to take off his shoes.
He said: "In the end I just took the leg off and gave him that. He looked pretty surprised at that.”
A spokeswoman for airport owner BAA said: “We are taking these claims very seriously and would like to speak to the passenger about his experiences.
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