Police officers injured in booby trap squat

Two police officers were injured when they fell through a trap door recently as they carried out a raid in Brighton.

A rug had been placed over the trap door in what is believed to be a deliberate attempt to ambush the officers and cause injuries at the Montpelier Place Baptist Church illegal squat.

Three men were later arrested, suspected of grievous bodily harm, as one of the officers needed hospital treatment for cracked ribs.  Officers at the scene were surprised the injuries were not more serious.

The Baptist church, originally built in 1966 has a trapdoor thought to lead to a storage and maintenance area. During the raid, the carpet had been placed over it to conceal the entrance.  As the un-suspecting Brighton and Hove officers stepped onto the rug it gave way and they plunged through the hatch.

During the raid on March 8^th, nine local streets were sealed off and a helicopter was scrambled as three men in balaclavas tried to take over the former place of worship with the intent of using the Baptist church as a squat.

With up to 30 police officers called to the scene, they were bombarded by missiles and bottles thrown from the roof by the hooded men before eventually entering the building.

In a statement published by the Mail Online by Sussex Police a spokesperson confirmed the three men aged 19, 20 and 21 had been released on bail until May pending further enquiries.

"The three arrested on suspicion of criminal damage were further arrested and interviewed while in custody about the possible offence of setting a trap to cause grievous bodily harm as well as attempting to cause actual bodily harm by throwing objects from the roof".

If you have suffered a personal injury and need our help to make a claim call our injury solicitors now on 01625 522429 or email info@richardsonlaw.org.uk 

Richardson Law

Personal Injury Solicitors

Wilmslow, Cheshire

Tel: 01625 522429