Abdul Al-Faisal, who has Down’s syndrome, was detained at Haringey Sixth Form Centre (Picture: Google Maps)

A 19-year-old with Down’s syndrome was detained by police for nine hours after trying to get into his school when it was closed.

Abdul Al-Faisal was arrested on suspicion of burglary after going to retrieve his favourite hat from Haringey Sixth Form Centre in Tottenham.

Police were alerted to an intruder at 10am on bank holiday Monday after an alarm went off. They detained the teenager when they arrived.

His parents Muhammad and Roshina Al-Faisal, who had reported him missing, were furious when they found out he was at the police station being questioned.


‘Anyone can see my son has Down’s syndrome. He has the mental capacity of a ten to 12-year-old,’ Mrs Al-Faisal told the Evening Standard.



‘Because of his condition he has a strong attachment to things and that’s why he went to school because he just wanted his Chicago Bulls hat. That’s his favourite basketball team.

‘I’m extremely disappointed with the way police handled him.’

Mrs Al-Faisal said she would make a formal complaint despite being told by police Abdul’s disability was taken into consideration during the whole process.

Abdul was cautioned for burglary.