Sydenham pensioner to sue Met Police over Second World War nightmare (From News Shopper)

Sydenham pensioner to sue Met Police over Second World War nightmare

3:45pm Monday 18th March 2013 in News By Mark Chandler

A GRAN who claims police smashing into her garden left her trapped in the Second World War is taking the Met to court.

It is claimed that Eileen Lee, aged 76, has suffered recurring flashbacks of bomb attacks after the police car slammed into her fence on Kirkdale, Sydenham, last September.

As News Shopper reported last year, the retired fashion worker began yelling "run for cover, the bombs are dropping," whenever she heard a bang and would cower on the floor with her hands over her head.

Daughter Maxine, 49,said that since the accident her mum had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress and was even forced to spend Christmas in a psychiatric ward at Bethlem Royal Hospital in Beckenham.

She said: "Her mental health has further deteriorated on a massive scale.

"She's terrible. I haven't got a mum anymore. I've lost her. Since that night she doesn't go out, she doesn't dress.

"She just wants to die. It's very, very sad that our united family has come to this."

Ms Lee said: "She is now subject to extreme depression, often embodied in suicidal inclinations."

She added: "Any loud bangs, any noise outside, she's just petrified. She still doesn't sleep."

The family have struggled since the accident to find a lawyer who will take up the case, saying they have been denied legal aid because of upcoming cutbacks to where it can be allocated - with personal injury claims no longer receiving the money.

But they have now secured a lawyer who will represent the family on a 'no win no fee' basis.
Ms Lee said: "I consider that my mum's plight is a matter of major public concern."

A spokeswoman for Lewisham police said: "A thorough investigation is taking place and has not yet concluded so would be inappropriate for us to discuss further at this time."