Tri-Service

Disabled UK Vet Told Scooter Could Be Seen As 'Terrorist Threat'

A 96-year-old veteran who served with British forces during World War Two has been told his mobility scooter could be seen as a terrorist threat.

Frank Curtis was part of the liberation force that freed inmates from the infamous Nazi concentration camp Bergen Belsen, but now faces a different challenge defending his right to park his mobility scooter.

Disabled UK Vet Told Mobility Scooter Could Be 'Terrorist Threat' — Frank pictured on the scooter in question

The veteran, from Barnet in North London, requires the mode of transport to visit his local shopping centre.

Frank needs to park his scooter for extended periods due to his disability, but this caused concern for supermarket security staff.

Mr Curtis, who was blown out of a gun carrier while fighting in Northern Europe, discovered the hawkish note asking him not to "dump" his mobility scooter unattended.

"The note read: In light of current world terrorist events it's unacceptable practice."

The pensioner told Barnet & Whetstone Press:

"I find this extremely unreasonable as the area and surrounding high road is filled with parked cars which could be packed with explosives and form a far greater danger than my open, exposed scooter."

"I do occasionally, when it’s raining, park my scooter in the un-gated portion of The Spires establishment. This is because I frequent a nearby restaurant and shops."

A spokeswoman for The Spires admitted that the note was "inappropriate".

She told the paper that she wrote to Frank to apologise - but also to ask him not to change where he does his shopping.

The spokeswoman on Frank's mobility scooter posing a terrorist threat:

"On being advised of public concerns raised over a mobility scooter that was often left unattended on the mall over long periods of time, a member of the security team left a note for the owner asking him to remove the scooter in future."

Images courtesy of Barnet Press