Yes, tried that first. Then climbed in and used the internal handle. No joy.
Tried the fob loads, just in case (prev owner told me it doesn't work - seemed like he was right). It flashes red but nothing happens. Now as I open the rear door, the headlights flash which suggests alarm mode. Still locked out. I've ordered a door striker, just in case I have to hacksaw the original one off to get the door open (not overy worried about paint damage as the car is tatty and I will paint the doors in due course). I'm thinking that I might have to try to get the Becm out and send it off to be reset (unlike the previous owner I'll get the EKA code reset to something sensible and get the VIN put in) and the immobiliser disabled. .
did you sync the fob first? Mine you, it needs all 3 microswitches in the door working for that and the RF receiver aerial under the parcel shelf attached unless you're going to pull the key out the lock each time to blip it.