John's £600 bill...after police broke his door down

John Hadley, 67, came home to find the door to his sheltered housing flat, in Charter House, Vange, had been kicked in.

At first he thought it was a break-in, but then found a note inside asking him to attend Southend police station.

It turned out the police wanted to interview him over accusations he had made racist comments to another man.

He was charged with racially aggravated assault, but the case was dropped when it came before Southend Magistrates Court in November last year.

Mr Hadley was then shocked to receive a written request two weeks ago from St George’s Housing asking him to pay £590 to replace the door and frame.

Mr Hadley said: “I have absolutely nothing against the police and know they’ve got their job to do, but they went over the top breaking down my door.

“They must have thought I was inside hiding, but I was out all the time.

“You worry having the police smash down your door will give you a bad reputation with the neighbours and there’s no way I should have to pay for the door.”

Mr Hadley’s friend Stan Dyson, 63, has written to St George’s Housing, which runs Basildon Council’s housing stock on its behalf, complaining he should not be charged.

Billericay MP John Baron has also penned a stern letter to Essex Police.

Mr Baron said: “I have complained their tactics were too heavy-handed, presented them with the bill for the door, and asked them to cover the cost.

“I have also requested an apology for Mr Hadley.”

Donna Veasey, spokesman for Essex Police, said officers broke into the flat because they thought Mr Hadley was hiding inside to avoid being questioned.

She said: “Police officers are granted permission to enter properties without a warrant under the 1984 Police and Criminal Evidence Act.

“We are waiting to receive Mr Baron’s letter. The question of who should pay for the door will be dealt with accordingly.”

Ray McKay, spokesman for St George’s Housing, said: “We are investigating this matter.”