Seven arrested after police raid traveller site

Police have arrested seven people, including one man on suspicion of attempted murder, after more than 100 officers raided a traveller site in Warwickshire.

The planned operation took place at Woodside Park, near Ryton on Dunsmore, just after 05:30 BST on Thursday.

Five other men and a teenage boy were also arrested during the raid, and several vehicles suspected to be stolen, used in crime, or having false documents were seized at the site, Warwickshire Police said.

Ch Supt Jon Belcher added that the operation was a result of "ongoing concerns raised by our communities" and hoped it would "send a clear message".

A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and threats to kill in connection to an incident that occurred in Nuneaton on 9 May.

A 30-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of theft as part of an investigation into shop thefts that totalled about £25,000 of goods stolen.

A 39-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of theft after suspected stolen goods were found in a caravan, and a 34-year-old man on suspicion of immigration offences.

A 52-year-old man was arrested for failing to appear in court for a case of grievous bodily harm, and a 44-year-old man was arrested for failing to appear in court for drug driving offences.

Warwickshire Police said four people, who the force believed may be victims of criminal exploitation, had been safeguarded.

"We will not tolerate criminality. We will work with our partners to use every power and tactic available to pursue and disrupt offenders," Ch Supt Belcher added.

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