Man arrested as rampage leaves old folks’ home ‘like a war zone’
POLICE CALLED AFTER TRAIL OF DESTRUCTION AT WEEKEND
AN old people’s home in the city was left looking “like a war zone” after a vandalism attack - reportedly carried out with a scaffold pole.
Andrew Graham, who lives in one of the flats in Cromwell House, off Saffron Lane, told the Mercury five CCTV cameras were smashed off the ceiling, four windows were broken and three fire doors were damaged in the rampage.
He said: “I woke up on Sunday morning to scenes of absolute carnage - the state of the place was like something in a war zone.
“There were windows smashed and lots of the CCTV cameras were ripped down.
“Cromwell House is a sheltered housing building - it’s for vulnerable people and it used to be one of the best. It’s supposed to be warden-controlled but since Covid there hasn’t been a warden here most of the time,” he claimed.
“Since the pandemic started we’ve seen no one around here at all, except for the cleaners who still come. I’ve complained about this place many times.”
He said a relief manager attended on Sunday morning after Leicester City Council, which owns the site, was informed about what happened.
A council spokesman said repairs would be made as quickly as possible.
He said: “This was an isolated incident and we are working closely with the police, looking at what action can be taken.
“We are also arranging for the repairs to be made as soon as possible and working with contractors to look at what can be done in terms of replacing the damaged CCTV cameras.
“We have arranged for staff to contact all residents to hear about what issues and concerns they may have.
“Residents can access help at any time of the day or night by using the Leicester Care service we offer, and can also report any problems through our tenants advice centre. The sheltered housing officers have access to CCTV footage of any incidents which occur.”
Police were informed of the incident and officers are investigating.
A force spokesman said a man had been arrested.
He said: “Shortly after 10.45pm on Saturday, August 14, police were called to Oliver Street following a report that a man had used a metal pole to damage a window and door at a block of flats.
“Officers attended and a 69-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. He has been released under investigation and inquiries are continuing.”