Police Storm Wrong Home in Botched Emergency Call, Resident Describes Film-Like Ordeal
A Staffordshire woman whose home was stormed by police officers in a botched emergency response has described the terrifying intrusion as "like something out of a film." Kellie Simm, 42, was abruptly awakened when three officers rushed toward her front door in Stoke-on-Trent on Tuesday morning.
A Rude Awakening in Weston Coyney
Ms Simm was in bed after her husband had left for work when she was disturbed by noise downstairs. Her Ring doorbell captured footage of the emergency personnel hurrying towards her front door, with one officer stumbling along the way. The mix-up occurred at approximately 7.40am after Staffordshire Police were called to reports of a sudden death on The Moat, in Weston Coyney.
Staffordshire Police has confirmed that a woman was found deceased on the same street. Speaking to local media, Ms Simm said she was uncertain "if she was dreaming" when the force entered her property.
The Chaotic Entry and Swift Exit
"They came storming into the house shouting 'Police, police, police!'" Ms Simm recounted. "I genuinely thought my husband had been in a car crash. He'd just left for work a few minutes earlier. I was still sort of asleep, so I wasn't sure if I was dreaming when they came in through my bedroom door."
She described how the officers took a quick look and then stated they had the wrong address before dashing off. One officer informed her they had received a call indicating someone had suffered a heart attack and fallen down the stairs.
"I thought it was strange because you don't usually send three police cars, a forensic van, and two ambulances to a heart attack," she added.
Apology and Understanding from the Resident
One of the police officers returned later to apologise for the entire incident. He inquired if Ms Simm wanted the incident number so she could file a complaint. She responded that it was completely fine, acknowledging that they were merely trying to act swiftly to assist somebody.
"Who could be mad about that?" she said. "I'm just glad my door was unlocked after my husband left so they didn't have to break it down!"
Ms Simm noted that although she is not angered by the event, it did frighten her profoundly. "Honestly, I totally cacked myself. It was like some drugs bust straight off TV. Obviously I knew I wasn't in trouble or anything, but it still scares you," she expressed.
Concern for Neighbours and Community Impact
She emphasised that they reside on what is typically a very nice, quiet street. "So to have police burst through your door that early in the morning is definitely a shock," she stated.
Ms Simm added that her primary concern was the welfare of her neighbours. "Afterwards I went outside to see what was going on. There was a big commotion down the road. I couldn't see much, but I saw some people were very upset an hour later. I knew something must have seriously gone wrong," she explained.
"I was really hoping it was nothing sad or sinister. My neighbours are all lovely and we get along really well. I'd hate to see anything happen to any of them. I hope everyone is as good as they can possibly be."
Police Statement on the Incident
A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: "At around 7.30am today, we responded to a report of a sudden death in Weston Coyney. Sadly, a woman was pronounced dead at the scene. In an effort to reach the casualty as quickly as possible and potentially administer life-saving medical care, officers initially entered the wrong address before speaking with ambulance staff who confirmed the correct address. Ambulance staff were already at the scene so there was no delay in treatment."
