A POLICEMAN has been reprimanded after failing to "appropriately investigate" reports of an alleged assault.

Unemployed musician Robert Savage, of Addington Street, Blackburn, said he had been "robbed of justice" due to errors made by PC Anthony Ellis.

A Lancashire Constabulary Professional Standards Department investigation found the Blackburn dog handler had failed to appropriately investigate the alleged assault.

Mr Savage claimed he was left with a broken leg following the incident in Copy Nook, Blackburn on December 2, 2005.

The officer, who has 19 years experience working for Lancashire Constabulary, was given a written warning with recommendations to receive further training and closer supervision and monitoring of his investigations.

The internal police investigation found PC Ellis had: Failed to pursue key lines of inquiry relating to potential witnesses and where relevant obtain statements; Lost key evidential material; Failed to record accurate details regarding witnesses on the police incident log Failed to update the log Delayed criming the incident Failed to obtain and record medical evidence Failed to test' the alleged suspect's account; Repeatedly failed to record evidence in his pocket book Provided inaccurate information to the CPS for pre-charge advice.

However Mr Savage has appealed against the findings to the Independent Police Complaints Commission claiming the sanction wasn't tough enough.

The 42-year-old said he told police investigators that he had been crossing the path of a car when an altercation occurred.

He said he made a rude gesture to the driver, who then got out and "karate kicked" him to the leg.

He said a man and a woman witnessed the incident before PC Ellis, who was passing the scene, was called over.

Mr Savage said the incident had left him depressed and said he had since "lost faith in the police".

He said: "The witnesses were never contacted because the police officer claims he lost their details.

"I find this totally unacceptable.

"I feel I have been robbed of the justice.

"Because of this officers incapability to properly investigate the matter nobody has been brought to justice. He has been let off with a slap on the wrists, I deserve better than this."

Chief Superintendent Clive Tattum, professional standards head of department, said: "The Constabulary prides itself on giving the best quality of service. When any member of staff provides a service that falls short of this it is regrettable.

"Following the allegations made in this case, the matter has been fully investigated by the Professional Standards Department.

"The complainant currently has the right to appeal to the IPCC against the findings of the investigation."

A spokesman for the IPCC confirmed an appeal had been lodged and said a review was underway.