Building with 'human defecation' shut by police

A building used as a former military hospital was shut by police due to anti-social behaviour

A former military hospital building was closed after rooms were filled with "human defecation" and there were incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Cambridgeshire Police issued a full closure order for 86 Lincoln Road, in Millfield, Peterborough, on Friday.

The property, which was most recently used by Age Concern, had been vacant for several years, but attracted drug users and rough sleeping.

PC Dan Lindop said: “The visual damage and decline of the building is infuriatingly apparent – human defecation in all rooms as well as outside, uncapped needles throughout, flooring ripped up, radiators pulled off walls, exposed wiring, evidence of fires being set to name a few things."

The property will be shut until 23 June

The local Neighbourhood Policing Team previously contacted the property owners to address problems.

After agreed measures were not implemented, a closure order application was made, police said.

The order stated the property, and its outbuildings and gardens, were closed to everyone except the landowners and members of the emergency services until 23 June.

Failure to comply with the order is a criminal offence which could result in imprisonment of up to three months, a fine or both.

The police received numerous reports of crime and drug dealing at the property

PC Lindop, said: "We have had numerous reports relating to concerns for the building and safety of the individuals gaining access to it, as well as residents from the retirement housing complex expressing concerns around feeling anxious and unsafe in their homes because of the activity next door."

He added: “What was once a very lovely home and subsequent business premises is now in a general state of disrepair and has the potential to cause serious injury and/or loss of life to those using the building and residents of the adjoining retirement housing complex.

“We will continue to regularly visit the property and anyone found breaching the order will be dealt with robustly.”