One would have thought that the last thing Mike Tyson wanted to see was the inside of another police station. Yet that proved to be his ironic sanctuary from thousands of fanatical fans who greeted him in Brixton yesterday afternoon.

The former world heavyweight champion planned to follow the example of Muhammad Ali and Nelson Mandela in paying tribute to his supporters in the vibrant south-London suburb. But, though Ali was driven serenely down Brixton Road waving from an open-topped car, Tyson's activities were a touch less dignified.

The self-styled "baddest man on the planet" was bundled into Brixton police station for his own protection within minutes of his arrival in Canterbury Crescent. At least it won't have come as a culture shock to a man who has served two rather longer spells under lock and key.

Fans had surged towards him and clambered on to trees, cars and even a police van to catch a glimpse. `Iron Mike' was kept in the station for several hours, his training schedule going to pot and the crowd showing no inclination to disperse.

"I love you Brixton," Tyson screamed through a loudhailer from an open window on the third floor. "You show me so much love."

Tyson had naturally excluded, or perhaps conveniently forgotten those Lambeth Council chiefs who insisted he was not welcome and banned him from entering the local recreation centre. The council leader has called him a "Pariah" and was not there to extend a welcoming hand to the borough's latest famous guest.

"He's done his crime, he's done his time. Let the man live," said Brixton heavyweight Danny Williams, who lost to Tyson's opponent next Saturday, Julius Francis, in April.

"White people, black people, Muslims - everywhere you go everyone wants to see him," said promoter Frank Warren.