Wednesday 27 March 2013

More than 20 officers swoop in dawn raid on Hatfield Travellers’ site - Hertfordshire

From the Welwyn and Hatfield Times

A TRAVELLERS’ site in Hatfield was raided by 25 police officers this morning (Wednesday).

Hertfordshire Constabulary said 25 officers took part in the dawn raid at the Holwell site, over animal cruelty fears.

Police, including officers from the specialist Rural Operation Support Team, and representatives from the RSPCA took part in executing the warrant.

Police said four people were arrested, and a dog and “a number” of birds were seized under the Wildlife Act.

Chief Inspector for Welwyn Hatfield, Dave Wheatley said: “The activity today was at a small number of properties on the site, based on information about suspected criminal activity associated with the welfare of animals.

“I would like to thank the members of the travelling community for their patience and support whilst we conducted enquiries on the site this morning.”

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: “We are aware of this incident.

“As it is a live investigation, we cannot release any further information at present but we will be providing more information as soon as possible.”

• Two men aged 23 and 22 and a 17-year-old boy, from Hatfield, were arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and theft. He is in police custody at present.

• A 31-year-old man was also arrested for a separate theft offence.

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