GLAM rocker Justin Hawkins, of The Darkness, was detained at New York's JFK airport when they mistook him for a wanted criminal. The Suffolk band's lead singer was held by police when he flew in for a magazine photo session.

GLAM rocker Justin Hawkins, of The Darkness, was detained by police at New York's JFK airport when they mistook him for a wanted criminal, it has emerged.

The band's lead singer and guitarist, from Lowestoft, was in the Big Apple for a photo shoot for Spin magazine earlier this week when he was detained, his publicist said.

Police thought they had found an on-the-run criminal, who is also called Justin Hawkins and bears a resemblance to the long-haired star.

He was released after two hours when his manager showed officers a tour schedule which proved Hawkins was in Britain on July 4 when the alleged crime was committed.

The Darkness, whose hits include I Believe in a Thing Called Love, shot to fame this year and their album Permission to Land was a best-seller.

The band also won critical acclaim for their performance in opening the Glastonbury music festival in the summer.

Their unique brand of tongue-in-cheek power rock has led to comparisons with legendary rock band Queen.