Couple sue police for armed raid over TV remote
A British couple are suing police after armed officers stormed their home mistaking a television remote for a handgun.
Michelle Malone, 46, and Keith Abrahams, 44, were home one evening when ten armed and armoured officers, eight plain-clothed policemen and a dog handler ambushed their apartment.
According to the UK's The Telegraph, the couple were forced into the back of a van at gunpoint then locked in a police cell and interrogated by detectives for four hours before being released without charge.
"I just remember running out of bed after hearing a bang like and earthquake and seeing police pointing guns at Keith, who was up against the wall," Malone told The Telegraph.
Police were reportedly called to the couple's home by a paramedic who had earlier visited the premises to treat Ms Malone for a panic attack.
The paramedic allegedly reported seeing a man holding a firearm in the bedroom of the home.
"The police told us the medic had seen a 10 inch long black firearm being held by Keith as he lay in bed," Malone said.
"But he had dozed off watching TV in his bedroom - it must have been the remote."
Officers reportedly conducted a forensic fingertip search of the property but found no evidence of a gun.
Malone is now suing West Mercia Police.
She claims to have suffered a concussion as well as bruising and emotional distress as a result of the police's rough handling of her.
"I already suffer from anxiety and then to suffer the indignity of being arrested for absolutely nothing has just alleviated this.
Abrahams said he was terrified and confused by the incident.
"I was shocked to death.
"I've never had a gun in my life - I've never even seen one before," he told The Telegraph.
A police spokesperson defended the officers' actions and acknowledged they were addressing the couple's claims they were mistreated during the incident.
"As is standard procedure with firearms reports, the incident was fully risk assessed and armed police were sent to the property in order to minimise any threat or harm to both the public and the officers attending the scene," she said.
"On arrival, the property was fully searched and although the original call to police was made in good faith, no firearms were found at the address.
"We have already spoken to Ms Malone about her complaint and are currently investigating her concerns over her treatment on the night of the incident."
The couple are also seeking an apology from West Midland Ambulance Service (WMAS) for whom the paramedic worked.
WMAS have reportedly since launched an internal investigation into the paramedic involved.
