2 days ago
Pensioner 'living in fear' after Met Police raid his Hampshire home in drugs bust - only for them to realise they had the wrong address
A pensioner was left traumatised after his home was raided by the Met Police in a drugs bust - only for them to realise they had got the wrong address.
Lorrimer Christians, 80, from Southampton, was getting ready for bed when drugs squad officers smashed through his front door with a battering ram.
The officers were looking for a stash of illegal substances - but went to the wrong address whilst executing the warrant.
Despite Mr Christians, who was 79 at the time, telling the police he was coming downstairs to let them in they forced the door open in the raid.
His granddaughter, Amy Cruise, said an ambulance had to be called because Mr Christians was so shaken up by the incident.
She said: 'My grandad was just getting ready for bed and they used a red key to smash it in.
'They called an ambulance for my grandad because he was in shock.
'But now he doesn't feel safe, he's living in fear that police will come through the door again.'
The Met have apologised for the actions of the officers from Catford in South East London but Mr Christians remains 'shaken' by the incident.
A spokesperson for the Met Police said: 'Officers did attend the wrong address as the result of human error.
'As soon as officers realised they apologised to the occupant of the address, and we apologise again today.
'We recognise this must have caused distress.'
The raid caused extensive damage to his front door, cracking the glass window pane and leaving a large gap in the door - although it could still be locked from the inside.
It has taken 10 weeks for the pensioner to receive a new front door from social housing developer Stonewater.
Stonewater's assistant director of repairs, Ann Brookes, said the delay in replacing the door was down to 'unexpected supply challenges'.
Ms Brookes said: 'We appreciate Mr Christians' patience while we've worked to replace the door damaged during this incident.
'Following an emergency call-out in the early hours of March 23, our contractor responded promptly to make the property secure and ensure the locking mechanism was fully functional.
'They then again attended the property the next day to ensure the door remained secure.
'We have remained in contact with Mr Christians throughout the process to provide updates and reassurance.
'When the original replacement door faced some unexpected supply challenges, we resolved these by sourcing an alternative door quickly, which has now been installed to the customer's satisfaction.'
