Neighbours · Advice & Questions · Oct 19

Do I need to apologise for calling for help after hearing a crash and 'let me out' next door?

Neighbours

My neighbour said, “You've made us look terrible,” when I passed him on the landing.

The night before, I had heard a crash and a voice shouting, “Let me out.” I couldn't see inside their flat. I called 999, described exactly what I heard and said I was worried someone was in danger. Officers attended. I don't know what they found or what happened after they went inside.

We live in England. [Police.uk's reporting guidance](https://www.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/how-to-report-domestic-abuse/) directs people to call 999 for an ongoing emergency or danger to life. I didn't try to enter the flat or establish the full story myself.

He says it was an argument and a cupboard door falling, and wants me to apologise for involving the police. I can understand being embarrassed by officers arriving. I can't say I knew that explanation when I heard the words and the crash.

How should I respond now? I want to avoid turning the landing into a debate about their private life. I am also unwilling to promise that I would ignore something similar in future.

Discussion

3 community replies

@softfocus

A brief response can stay with what you knew: “I heard a crash and someone asking to be let out. I was worried about immediate danger and described that to the operator.” You don't need to claim knowledge of an offence or the officers' findings.

@JulesAfterDark

His explanation afterwards doesn't change the information available during the call. It also doesn't give you enough information to label either person or retell the incident to other neighbours.

@MorganSays

The [Police.uk guidance](https://www.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/how-to-report-domestic-abuse/) distinguishes an ongoing emergency from other reporting routes. If another emergency is ongoing or life is in danger, call 999; a promise to ignore future incidents would be inappropriate.

Do I need to apologise for calling for help after hearing a crash and 'let me out' next door?

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