Washington man claims he feels trapped in home after police forced entry into property
He has made a formal complaint against Northumbria Police
A Washington man claims he has been left “feeling trapped in his own home” after having his door smashed during a forced entry by Northumbria Police officers.
Retired firefighter Scott Lumsdon, 58, said the incident happened when police officers turned up at his Fatfield home after allegations made against him of harassment.
Scott said: “I heard people at the door claiming to be from the police and asking me to open up. I didn’t open up straight away as I wanted to make sure it was genuine and asked them to tell me what it was about.
“The police then smashed through my door to gain entry.”
Northumbria Police, however, said their officers only forced access after “repeatedly being denied entry”.
Scott said he was arrested, spent 19 hours in police cells and was subsequently charged with harassment.
After returning home, Scott said he has been “effectively left feeling trapped in my own house for over three weeks”.
He added: “The locks are broken and my front door is boarded up. I had to retire on health grounds and so I can’t afford repairs. I feel like I’m trapped in my own home and I don’t know what to do.
“I can’t get any post as I’ve no longer got a letterbox.”
Scott can still leave his house through his back door but is also concerned about his two dogs.
He added: “My gate is smashed and if my dogs get into the garden they could escape, which is a concern as I live next to a main road. If there was a fire in the back of my house and I can’t get to the back door then I can’t get out.”
Under UK law, police officers generally need a warrant issued by a court to enter a property.
However, under Section 17 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, they can enter without a warrant or the owner’s permission, including to arrest a person on suspicion of certain offences.
Scott confirmed he has submitted an official complaint to Northumbria Police.
He said: “I think it was excessive to smash my door in and I want the police to pay for the cost of the repairs.”
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At about 10am on Wednesday, August 26, we attended an address on Calders Crescent, in Washington, to make an arrest in connection with reports of harassment.
“Officers initially knocked on the door and announced themselves but were repeatedly denied entry by the occupant of the address. Due to the nature of the alleged offending, officers subsequently forced entry into the house.
“Once inside the property, a 58-year-old man was arrested in connection with the reports. He has since been charged with two counts of harassment. He appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on September 10 and was released on bail before his next appearance.
“The address was left secure with the door boarded up. Officers noted there was a second door at the property for access.
“Until there has been an outcome through our complaints process, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
By law, the police are required to make sure properties are secure before they leave if they have forced entry.