PARENTS have condemned police for appalling timing by executing a drugs warrant next to a Kingsteignton primary school just as 'terrified' children turned up for lessons.

They tried to shield frightened youngsters from witnessing the drama which unfolded yards away from the gates of St Michael's Primary and Nursery School in Church Street.

Mum Lisa Friend, from Chudleigh Knighton, complained: 'There were police everywhere. I saw a lot of smashed glass. Some little ones were quite hysterical. They were frightened to death. It was so intimidating for them.'

Police immediately apologised for any upset their actions might have caused last Thursday – but stressed they had no option but to go in at the time they did.<