Sussex Police are facing serious questions after officers conducted a violent early-morning raid on a family home in Peacehaven based on incorrect information from the Home Office, leaving an innocent family traumatised and raising concerns about immigration enforcement procedures.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning when multiple police officers forced entry into the Mahmood family residence while they were sleeping. Body-worn footage obtained by the Independent reveals the shocking moment officers battered down the door and stormed the property.
"They Treated Us Like Criminals"
One family member described the terrifying ordeal: "We were all in bed asleep and then suddenly there was this massive bang on the door and the police came storming in. They treated us like criminals in our own home."
The raid was conducted based on Home Office intelligence suggesting the property was linked to immigration offences. However, subsequent verification revealed the information was completely inaccurate, leaving authorities embarrassed and the family seeking answers.
Growing Concerns Over Enforcement Methods
This incident has sparked fresh concerns about the relationship between police forces and immigration authorities, particularly regarding the verification of intelligence before authorising aggressive raids on residential properties.
Civil liberty groups have expressed alarm at the growing pattern of similar incidents across the UK, where families are subjected to traumatic police action based on unverified information.
A spokesperson for Sussex Police confirmed they were "reviewing the circumstances" of the raid but defended officers' actions, stating they were acting on "what was believed to be credible intelligence at the time."
Calls for Accountability and Reform
The Home Office has remained tight-lipped about the specific intelligence failure that led to the wrongful raid, though sources indicate an internal investigation is underway.
Local MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle has demanded a full inquiry, stating: "When innocent families are having their doors broken down based on incorrect information, we have a serious problem that needs addressing immediately."
The Mahmood family are now considering legal action against both Sussex Police and the Home Office, seeking compensation for the trauma and damage caused during the botched operation.
