A RAPID response service has been caught in the middle of a row between police and a pensioner whose door was smashed open by officers.

David Barlow arrived home after a day in London to find police had broken open his front door in a misunderstanding, but he has refused to pay the bill for temporary repairs.

The 72-year-old’s neighbours were concerned having not seen him all day and called the police who gained entry and then called in RapidSecure, allegedly promising him the constabulary would pay the bill.

However, since the incident on March 23, Mr Barlow has been sent a £204 invoice and further reminders from the firm’s debt recovery department.

West Mercia Police has said his claim for reimbursement was being looked into currently by the force’s legal department, but the pensioner says he can’t afford to pay the money upfront.

In an email to Mr Barlow, RapidSecure debt recovery manager Sue Yabsley said: “We carried out what was requested by the police and any conversations you have had with the police is between you and the police.”

She went on to say the constabulary have advised the firm it is the occupier who must pay up hence “why the invoice was sent to you.”

Ms Yabsley added that she can offer a payment plan and advised it may all be covered by his insurance.

However, Mr Barlow said the standard excess is more than the value of the bill.

The police and RapidSecure did not provide further responses before we went to print.