Police bill widower for breaking into his house

Police left a pensioner with a £320 locksmith bill after breaking into his home fearing he was dead, only to find he had spent the night at a classical music concert.

When Brian New, 72, from Colchester, returned from the recital at a local church he was stunned to see officers rooting through his cupboards.

Mr New’s neighbours had called police as they were concerned for his welfare, having not recently seen him.

The police arranged for a locksmith to repair the door but the widower has refused to pay the bill.