ARMOURED police searching for suspect criminals at properties in Morecambe mistakenly forced their way into the homes of two terrified pensioners this week.

A 67-year-old, partially-sighted woman and her disabled neighbour were left in a state of shock after officers used battering rams to gain access to their housing association flats.

The massive police operation, codenamed Operation Herring, netted more than 40 suspects and a haul of drugs and stolen property.

The police were searching for a man who lived in one of the flats at the Albert Road property. He was arrested and charged and is now in custody.

Mrs Jean James and her husband rushed round to their mother's flat after receiving a distressed telephone call.

Mrs James said: "When we got there she was in a terrible state. She is partially sighted and was wandering round looking for her glasses in a state of shock. She just saw black figures and was scared out of her wits. We're not against the raids as such but she's always been a strong woman and after this she doesn't feel safe." The pensioner managed to get to her front door after hearing loud bangs and opened it to be met by officers clad in body armour.

Her neighbour, who has a heart condition and a false leg, had his door smashed in by officers who ordered him to put his hands on his head.

Mrs James added: "We checked on the neighbour, Tom, and he was shaking and sweating. He has a heart condition and we were very worried about him. We made them both several cups of tea and stayed with them to calm them down."

Local councillor Peter Robinson was also called to the scene.

He said: "I saw them a few hours later and they were still shaking. They had obviously been scared witless."

Area director of North British Housing Association, Allan Ramsay, said there had been no liaison between the association and the police.

"We had no idea the raid was going to happen or what it is for," he said. "Clearly they've got to maintain an element of surprise. We are seeking information from the police regarding the nature of the crimes they believe have been committed."

Lancaster's Divisional Commander John Thompson visited the elderly residents on Wednesday afternoon.

A police spokesman said: "We are sorry if people were inconvenienced or frightened during what was an important operation. We've apologised to one of the people involved and will be apologising to the other."

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