Police sued by man stopped from rescuing furniture
Aug 1 2007 12:00AM
A retired army captain is suing the police after they stopped him entering his burning house to rescue furniture and other belongings.
Edmund Carlisle's action comes after his 16th century, Grade II listed mansion was destroyed by fire, along with antique furniture and oil paintings worth over £140,000.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Captain Carlisle, 85, claims he was grabbed by police and forced into a police van as he attempted to enter the house and rescue his furniture.
He is now suing Dyfed-Powys police for wrongful arrest, false imprisonment and assault - and recently told a jury: "I was held in an arm lock and thrown into a cage in the police van head first.
"Police stood uselessly by while our possessions burned. Serious damage could have been prevented."
Dyfed-Powys police have made it clear that in their view, Captain Carlisle was lawfully detained in his best interest.
They also claim that in their efforts to stop him re-entering the burning building, he kneed one member of the police force in the groin and kicked another in the shins.
Captain Carlisle responded by telling the court: "This would have been impossible because my trousers had fallen round my ankles."
Are you looking to replace furniture? Head to wimbledonpine.co.uk for a high quality selection of new pinefurniture, including pine benches, tables, bookcases and pinebeds.
© Adfero Ltd
