300 arrested in dawn raids on violent crime

POLICE launched mass raids across London today in a crackdown on domestic and hate crimes.

Up to 300 people faced arrest in the early morning operation codenamed Operation Athena in which almost 500 officers were involved.

Raids were taking place in all 32 London boroughs and a spokeswoman said: "This sets out to transfer the fear onto violent offenders while encouraging more victims to come forward by increasing public confidence."

A similar operation in May resulted in 336 arrests. Commander Mark Simmons, the head of the Met's Violent Crime Directorate, said: "We are sending out a clear message to the men and women of violence that their behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

"Today's activity is just one part of the Met's work to protect vulnerable victims."