Get out and stay out (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Get out and stay out

HOURS after squatters were removed from a drugs den in Swindon they had returned. A man and woman arrested by armed police who raided the flat in Goodridge Court, Toothill, were back inside the the property within 24 hours.

Despite the door being boarded up behind them the first time, trespassers had broken in again.

Yesterday two people were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and obstructing the electricity supply.

They were the same couple, a 41-year-old man and 22-year-old woman, who were arrested the day before on suspicion of possessing heroin.

A replica firearm was also recovered during the raid.

Police said the tenant who had been living at the flat had moved out and squatters had moved in.

Yesterday lunchtime police returned to drag the two squatters back out of the flat.

Police spokeswoman, Alvina Kumar said: "They have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and obstructing the electricity supply which means they have been using electricity without paying for it.

"They are in custody at Gablecross Police Station."

Residents say it has been a frightening experience living near the house.

A 32-year-old woman who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said: "It's horrible having to live near this. It's really scary because you don't know what's going on.

"These people make living here horrible for everyone else.

The housewife added: "The police raid was scary as well. It's not something you expect to see."

Another resident, who also asked not to be named, said she was not surprised there were drug problems in the area.

The 61-year-old security officer said: "This is quite a rough area. There has been drug taking going on around here in the past but it's not a nice thing for the people living around here."

Coun Steve Wakefield (Con, Toothill and Westlea) is pleased the police have acted quickly to stop the drug-taking in the flat.

"I think the people living nearby must be sickened by what's been happening," said Coun Wakefield.

"Many of the people living here are elderly and there are also a lot of young families.

"It is very frightening for an elderly person in particular to look out of their window and see an armed raid going on in their community."

He added: "Generally I think Toothill is a decent neighbourhood.

"The majority of people living here are decent hardworking people.

"I think it's a shame when there are just a few people who frighten others and make it a threatening place."

Inspector Willie Glasgow, of Swindon police, said the arrests were connected to recent crackhouse closures in Emlyn Square and in Inglesham Road, Penhill.

"We are cracking down on the drugs problem in Swindon," he said.

Lyndsay Scanlan