A FAMILY have vowed to get justice for 'the best granny in the world' after a woman was crushed to death in a faulty lift.

Grandmother-of-seven Christine Allen, 50, died on the eighth floor of the Lambourne Court tower block in the Orchard Estate, Woodford Green, after visiting family on Saturday.

It is thought that the charity worker, from Apollo Place in Leytonstone, died instantly after being stuck on the head when the lift she entered malfunctioned and continued to travel upwards.

Devastated daughter Laura Dawkins, 26, who witnesses the horrific event, said she had continuously complained about the lifts breaking down to Redbridge Council.

She said: “The lift came up as it normally does and my mum got in but it was still moving.

“I'm very angry and I want all the flats knocked down or at least the lifts redone.

“She was a bubbly, beautiful woman and the best mum and nan in the world.

“It's torn us apart. She was my soul mate and my best friend and we will never get over it.”

Dozens of residents have already put their names to a petition calling for justice for Mrs Allen and better safety for the families on the estate.

Rob Russell, 51, who lived with Mrs Allen as her carer, said she suffered from serious mental problems, such as obsessive compulsive disorder, agoraphobia and nervous anxiety disorder.

He said: “It's a miracle she got out of the house at all but she loved her grandkids and used to visit them three or four times a week.

“This is a human sacrifice story and I think it had to happen for someone to take notice.”

Father to three of Mrs Allen's grandchildren Roy Smith, 42, said: “My oldest is six and aware enough to know that when someone dies they go up to heaven and become a star, but she keeps saying that she wants to go to heaven to see her nanny.

“What am I supposed to say to that?

“This was an accident waiting to happen, and it could easily have been a kid in there.”

A spokeswoman for Redbridge Council and Redbridge Homes, who manage the estate, said: “Like the residents of Lambourne Court, we were shocked by this tragic death.

“Our sympathy is with the family. Redbridge Council and Redbridge Homes will be working closely with the Health and Safety Executive to find out exactly how this happened.

“We can't comment further during the investigation.”