Mum Delia, 40, said the 35 officers "behaved like five-year-olds with water pistols" after storming a barbecue for Abbie's brother Nigel, 16. They arrested her step-brother Robert, 20, on suspicion of breaching his bail curfew. He was dragged from the garden in handcuffs but a court later threw out the case for lack of evidence.
Officers in riot gear also arrested Abbie's dad Nigel,50, and birthday boy Nigel for alleged public order offences during the raid in the quiet cul-de-sac on Saturday. Careworker Delia said: "I asked why they used the gas and they told me that if officers felt threatened they could use it without warning. But how is my 10-year-old a threat to a fully grown policeman? I think it is disgusting.
"My husband went to see what was going on. They said it was nothing to do with him and squirted gas straight in his eyes. I didn't even get out of the gate and they sprayed it in my eyes, too. Fair enough if they had to arrest Robert but they used gas on everybody.
"I've never seen that many police before not even during a drugs raid on TV. It was absolutely ridiculous. It was as if we were a load of hooligans."
Assistant Chief Constable Lawire Lewis denied 35 officers were at the house but added: "We are concerned that children appear to have been affected by CS spray. This is very regrettable. A thorough investigation is underway."
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