A Suffolk family has been left shaken after armed police forcibly entered their Ipswich home in a case of mistaken identity, with outdated Home Office records blamed for the alarming incident.
Officers from Suffolk Police executed a warrant at the property on Tuesday morning, acting on intelligence that a wanted individual resided at the address. However, the suspect hadn't lived there for several years, leaving the current occupants terrified as officers entered with weapons drawn.
Home Office Records Under Scrutiny
The Home Office has confirmed they're investigating how their systems contained incorrect address information for the suspect. A spokesperson stated: "We're working closely with Suffolk Police to understand how this occurred and prevent future occurrences."
Neighbours reported seeing multiple police vehicles and officers in tactical gear surrounding the property during the early morning raid. One witness described the scene as "like something from a crime drama".
Family Demands Answers
The affected family, who wish to remain anonymous, have demanded a full explanation from authorities. "We're law-abiding citizens who've been treated like criminals," one family member told reporters. "Our children are terrified to sleep in their own beds."
Suffolk Police have apologised for the distress caused but maintain they were acting on credible intelligence at the time. The force has launched an internal review of the operation.
Systemic Issues Revealed
This incident highlights growing concerns about:
- Outdated police intelligence systems
- Inaccurate Home Office records
- The psychological impact of wrongful raids
- Procedures for verifying address information
Local MP Tom Hunt has called for an urgent review of data-sharing practices between government departments and police forces.
