A couple were arrested and held in police cells for 11 hours after complaining on WhatsApp about teacher recruitment at their children's primary school.

The incident occurred when radio producer Maxie Allen and his partner Rosalind Levine were detained on suspicion of harassment and malicious communications.

CCTV footage shows six uniformed police officers arriving at their suburban home before leading the couple away in front of their crying children.

After a five-week investigation, Hertfordshire Constabulary concluded there was no case to answer.

The trouble began in May 2024 when Allen questioned why an open recruitment process hadn't started for a new headteacher.

Shortly afterwards, the chairman of governors told parents that "inflammatory and defamatory" comments had been seen on social media.

Allen and Levine were later banned from the school premises for "casting aspersions".

They were unable to attend their daughter Sascha's parents' evening and Christmas performance.

Sascha, nine, suffers from epilepsy, is neurodivergent and registered disabled.

On January 29, Levine was clearing out toys when police arrived at their Borehamwood home.

"I saw six police officers standing there. There were two cars and a police van," she said.

"I was just in complete disbelief," Allen said. "It was absolutely nightmarish. I couldn't believe this was happening."

Allen branded the police action "dystopian" and a "massive over-reach".

"I believe the school tried to use the police to close down legitimate inquiries," Allen said.

Cowley Hill Primary said it sought advice after communications became "upsetting for staff, parents and governors".