Police tell mother attacked by yobs at home: 'We won't send anyone... it may escalate the problem'

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Updated:

Nikki Collen

Nikki Collen claims police refused to visit her after she was attacked in her own home as they were worried it would only 'escalate' the problem

A mother who was punched to the floor in her own home by yobs was stunned when police advised her not to call officers to her house - because it would 'escalate' the problem.

Nikki Collen, 39, begged officers for help after a thug kicked in her front door and punched her to the floor in her hallway.

After her attacker fled, Nikki rang Warwickshire Police who promised to send an officer to her home in Kenilworth.

But an hour later she received a phone call from a woman police officer who told her it would be better if police did not attend because it might inflame the situation.

Mother-of-two Nikki, who is studying an Open University degree in nursing, said: 'I couldn't believe it.

'I was attacked and wanted to report it but the officer was persuading me not to press charges.

'She even told me that if the bullies saw a police officer at my home it could escalate the problem further.

'I was so scared I asked what I should do and she told me to try and sort it out on my own. I was really upset and felt really alone.

'It's a horrendous way to live and has got to the stage where I fear going out because of the abuse I will get.

'I can't cope with it and need some help from authorities. I've just had enough and need to move. Why should I put up with this?'

Nikki, who lives with her son Josh, 17, and daughter Demi, 13, have been subjected to a terrifying campaign of harassment after a minor dispute over a bottle of hair conditioner last December.

Since then the family have been sworn at, had used condoms hurled at their house, had their windows smashed and graffiti scrawled on their home.

Nikki said the police had been called on numerous occasions but no charges had ever been brought against the bullies.

She added: 'I am on anti-depressants, my nerves are shot to pieces and I'm terrified of walking out my front door.

'This is no way to live. When it's got really bad, I have to admit I have thought about ending it but I'm determined not to be beaten by the bullies who are acting like they are above the law.

'All I want is a bit of support from the police.'

The family's problems have haunting comparisons to the case of Fiona Pilkington and her disabled daughter Francecca Hardwick, who were driven to their deaths after an 11-year bully campaign.

Nikki said: 'I've read in the papers about Mrs Pilkington and just think the police simply don't care.

'If they can ignore that family for 11 years what hope have I got?'

A Warwickshire Police spokeswoman confirmed a female officer had spoken to Nikki about the attack on Saturday, September 19.

She said: 'The policing team have had some involvement in ongoing issues in the street.

'We have also been working closely with the local authority regarding tenancy agreements and ongoing neighbour disputes.'

Most watched News videos

Comments 184

Share what you think

  View all

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

  View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.