Search of Derry home: PSNI advise 'shocked and terrified' family to contact Police Ombudsman's Office for 'full investigation'

A Derry family said to be suffering from debilitating illnesses and left “shocked and terrified” following a police search of their home yesterday have been advised by the PSNI to contact the Police Ombudsman’s Office for a “full investigation.”

Independent Cllr Warren Robinson has condemned what he described as the “heavy-handed nature” of a police search of the house at Moyola Drive in the Shantallow area.

Cllr Robinson said neighbours were “extremely angry” by the attitude of officers to the occupants who, he said, suffered from debilitating illnesses.

“The PSNI never even knocked, they rammed through the front door with such force that it smashed the door and severely damaged the frame.”

In response, a PSNI spokesperson said police attended the house to execute a search warrant as part of a “wider investigation.”

The spokesperson added: “During these operations, we try to gain entry to homes by consent.

“Sometimes, though, we need to force an entry.

“We now understand the particular circumstances of this household and if the family feel aggrieved about the actions of the police officers, they should contact the Police Ombudsman’s Office for a full investigation.”