Police officer stabbed in Cockfosters during dawn raid

The officer was one of 800 involved in making arrests as part of a probe into organised crime across London and four other counties

A lamp featuring the words 'Metropolitan Police' in white on blue glass

A police officer was stabbed in the leg in Cockfosters this morning (Tuesday 29th) while taking part in co-ordinated dawn raids across 24 properties.

He was treated at the scene by colleagues and paramedics before being taken to hospital where his injuries were assessed as non-life changing.

The injured officer was among more than 800 involved in making arrests as part of a large-scale investigation into a suspect organised crime group.

The dawn raids resulted in 17 people being arrested in London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. Searches are ongoing at a number of the properties and there is expected to be an ongoing police presence for some days.

The arrests are the product of many months of “intense investigation by specialist Met detectives” working alongside His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Officers from HMRC and the FCA are supporting with the searches.

As part of the wider operation, the FCA has disrupted seven firms and is actively pursuing a further 30.

A Met Police spokesperson said: “These arrests mark a significant point in this investigation. Those arrested are suspected of leading or being involved at a senior level in serious and organised crime and related financial offending.

“We know the impact of serious and organised crime stretches well beyond those at senior levels of the organisations involved. Lines can often be drawn from the top, all the way to those involved in the criminality that blights communities, including serious violence and exploitation.

“Investigating these groups is among the most complex work the Met undertakes. It requires a significant investment of time and money and the expertise not just of specialist police officers but of colleagues from partner organisations like HMRC and the FCA.

“We hope these arrests show how determined we are to ensure organised crime groups cannot operate freely in London. We will work tirelessly to identify them, to gather evidence and to take action.”

A Financial Conduct Authority spokesperson added: “Tackling financial crime requires the type of partnership shown by today’s joint action and the many months of close cooperation leading to it.

“We’ll continue to work with the police and others to identify and disrupt organised crime groups who abuse our financial system to launder dirty money.”

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