A black actor who was about to appear in a play about racism was stopped and questioned by police looking for a drug dealer.

Oraine Johnson was standing outside the Bridport Arts Centre in Dorset before a production of "Sorry! No Coloureds, No Irish, No Dogs" when a police car drove by and stopped.

Mr Johnson, 31, was on the phone to his brother at the time and was told by one of the police officers to hang up immediately.

The actor said the officers then explained there was a drug problem in the rural market town and that they were on the lookout for a black man thought to be a dealer.

Mr Johnson explained he was a professional actor performing in a show that is aimed at stimulating discussion about racism and then pointed to the poster with his face on behind him.

After the 'stop and account' enquiry, the officers returned to their car and drove off, with Mr Johnson having advised them to watch the play.