Front door stuck locked on latch

[Waltonrob]

Help!! Please!

I can't unlock my front door. It is stuck shut as if it is stuck "on latch", so I can't turn the knob to open it from the inside, and I can't turn the key in the lock to open it from the outside. The lock looks like one of these (http://www.solonsecurity.co.uk/assets/images/products/medium/Replacement-Front-door-Lock.jpg) - although it's not the same. I can't turn the knob on the lock, it is stuck fast. The latch seems to be broken and I can't change it. There is a screw on the lock, but I can't access it, as it is behind the knob which is stuck!! - also I suspect there are screws on the "side" of the lock, which I can't access, as I can't open the door.

Will I permanently damage the lock if I force the knob to turn, or will I just damage the "latch" (a state which I can live with!)?

Thanks...

 

[StephenW]

Has the lock got a little slider which then locks the knob? Maybe try wriggling this. Or does it have one of those catches in two parts designed to stop someone opening it with a thin blade. You could try tapping against the catch to see if it jogs something.