POLICE officers apologised for battering their way into a couple's home during a crackdown on drugs.

Householder Frank Sonley, 60, was restrained and confined to his bedroom when he demanded an explanation.

His wife, Jean, 57, made the officers a cup of tea after they searched her kitchen in Thornaby Road, Thornaby, Teesside, and, according to her husband, "virtually ripped the place apart".

A spokesman for Cleveland Police, said: "This property was on our list of targets for very good reasons, but there was no obvious indication it had recently changed hands."

The Sonleys moved into the bungalow from Plymouth a fortnight ago.