Everton striker Victor Anichebe was involved in an incident with police officers outside a jewellery store in Knutsford, Cheshire. Two men had been reporting as acting "suspiciously'' outside the premises.

Anichebe, a 20-year-old Nigeria international, was outside the store with a friend, who was handcuffed during the incident. Neither man was detained and the police subsequently apologized.

In a statement, Cheshire police also said an officer had been "advised'' about his action.

"It is now apparent that, while the situation was heated, the actions of the police officer in applying handcuffs to one of the men was less than a proportionate reaction to the requirements of the situation,'' the statement said. "The officer has been advised regarding this, and an offer of apology extended to the two men.''

A spokesman for Everton said earlier that Anichebe had been "upset'' by the incident, but that the matter would be regarded as closed.

The police refused to comment on reports that the incident was racially motivated.