Arrests in cross-border police raids in East of England

Four men were arrested in a series of co-ordinated police raids across counties in the East of England, targeting violent and organised crime.

Bedfordshire Police led the operation that involved officers from Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Suffolk and Thames Valley.

Two men from Bedford were detained, as well as two men from Suffolk.

Police said the operation demonstrated their "shared commitment to disrupting criminal activity".

Warrants were carried out on Thursday at addresses in Bedford, Sandy and Eaton Bray, as well as locations in Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Suffolk.

Two men from Kempston Hardwick in Bedford were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder relating to an incident that took place in October 2023, during which bricks and bottles were thrown at police officers.

One of those was also arrested on suspicion of burglary offences in connection with a series of burglaries and vehicle thefts committed in a neighbouring county.

Two others suspected of involvement in the burglaries were arrested in Suffolk.

Two cars suspected of being used in crime were also seized.

All four men have since been charged and remanded in custody ahead of future court appearances.

Ch Insp Milo Brown, who led the operation, said: "Violent and organised crime pose a serious threat to the safety of our communities, and we will continue to work tirelessly and cohesively to tackle these issues head-on."

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