Raids coincided with White Ribbon Day

Police officers arrested 11 people in a series of dawn raids cracking down on domestic violence and hate crimes last Thursday (November 25).

The operation, carried out by Hackney Borough’s Community Safety Unit, was timed to link in with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, known as White Ribbon Day.

Its main aim was to tackle violence against women but the action also targeted racist, homophobic and disability motivated crime.

A 33-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man were both charged with actual bodily harm and remanded in custody.

Officers also worked with residents to encourage them to report crime.

Det Chief Insp Jamie Armstrong said: “We know that these types of crime are still under reported and we will continue to work hard to gain the trust and confidence of communities so that victims feel that they can come forward. My key message to victims of these offences is tell us what is happening so we can help you but if you can’t tell the police - tell someone.”

For information or advice about domestic violence, call the nia project on 020 7683 1210 or the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency always dial 999.