Police are investigating a complaint by a father-of-four who says he was sprayed in the face by officers – in his own home in front of his children.

Timothy Whittaker, 46, claims that excessive force was used against him and that he was wrestled to the ground and temporarily blinded by the spray, during an incident at his home on Norton Street, Macclesfield, as his wife and children looked on.

He claims the police action was also taken without warning.

Cheshire Police have confirmed that their professional standards department is investigating the claim.

The allegation came to light as Whittaker was convicted of a public order offence at Macclesfield Magistrates’ Court for swearing at police officers.

Whittaker admitted using threatening words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress and was given a conditional discharge.

Magistrates heard that the incident was triggered as police visited Whittaker’s home on an unrelated matter at 7am on Sunday, July 21.

Debbie Burn, prosecuting, said: “On entering the property, the Pc could hear a man swearing upstairs.

“As officers got to the first floor, the defendant said ‘what the **** are you doing in my house’.

“The defendant continued shouting. As they left the house, Whittaker raised his middle finger and shouted ‘******* tossers’. This was in earshot of members of the public.”

But Julian Farley, defending  Whittaker, described the police’s approach as ‘mob-handed’.

He said: “Police arrived mob-handed. The incident has got both side’s backs up.

“Mr Whittaker is swearing. It is his normal language, his normal speech. Police have had enough, they kick the door in and follow him into the living room.

“They arrest him in front of his two young children and sprayed him. This action is the source of a complaint. It could have been dealt with in another way. Mr Whittaker felt aggrieved at that.”

Det Chf Insp Chris Warren, from Cheshire Police’s professional standards department, said: “Court proceedings resulting in Timothy Whittaker admitting using threatening words and behaviour to cause harassment and alarm or distress have now concluded.

“The professional standards department is in receipt of a complaint from Mr Whittaker and the circumstances of this complaint are being examined.”

Mr Whittaker told the Express: “The whole situation was unnecessary. I want the police to apologise.”