Police called to old people's home after row about vase of flowers

Officers were called in after residents fell out over the decoration

Police were called to intervene in a row between pensioners at a retirement home - over a vase of flowers. The officers visited a retirement housing estate in Exminster, Devon, following a complaint of aggressive behaviour.

The incident happened after a war of words broke out between residents about a vase of flowers in the communal hallway. Some residents decided to display the artificial flowers on a window sill in a hallway.

But another tenant claimed the flowers were a fire risk and posed a threat to others in the block. The company that manages the flats - The Guinness Partnership - was called out to investigate.

Upon arrival, the residents were asked by management to remove the flowers and place them in one of their flats instead. However, shortly after, the residents decided they wanted the flowers to remain on the communal window sill to "brighten up the place."

The residents then say the other tenant called the police who say they were called out to a report of "aggressive behaviour." Devon and Cornwall police confirmed upon attending that all was in order.

Ian Hunter who put up the flowers, said: "I decided to put flowers out on the landing on the window and all of a sudden all hell breaks loose. All over a bunch of flowers - it just seems childish and pathetic.

"I had people around from the Trust saying it's a fire hazard. I couldn't believe what was happening. I gave the flowers to Tom, I'm sick of looking at them now."

Thomas, a resident and friend of Ian, said: "The guy complained to the police and two officers turned up over this. For some strange reason, Guinness Partnership came round the day he reported it and told us we'd have to take the flowers down.

"They were just plastic flowers in a vase at the top of the communal stairwell that leads to two of my friends' flats. We just wanted to brighten the place up with some red flowers.

"The police were just trying to pacify I think. If they really did think it was a fire hazard, why didn't the fire brigade turn up?"

A spokesperson for The Guinness Partnership said: "Communal hallways are shared spaces for all residents to use and enjoy. One resident did not want the artificial flowers displayed and asked that they were removed.

"We understand one resident may have called the police following a disagreement about this."

Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police were called at 3.50pm on 27 September to Deepway Lane, Exminster, following a report of aggressive behaviour at a property. An officer attended and confirmed that all was in order."