Met police says searches at 100 addresses in London show commitment to tracking down those who took part in looting

This article is more than 8 years old

This article is more than 8 years old

Police investigating the rioting and looting in London this summer arrested 77 people in scores of raids across the capital early on Wednesday.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan police said search warrants were executed at about 100 addresses by officers and staff from the Specialist Crime Directorate and the Territorial Support Group.

The action was part of Operation Winter Withern, the Met's effort to enlist the public's help in identifying those involved in the disorder. Detective Superintendent Robin Bhairam said the arrests showed that the Met remained committed to finding and prosecuting those who took part in the unrest.

"Following on from the release of over 200 suspect images on Flickr as part of the Winter Withern campaign, I would like to thank all those who have responded to our appeal in helping us to identify those wanted," he said.

"A number of people have been identified and inquiries are still ongoing. There are still a number of people we wish to speak with, and I would encourage anyone who has any information to please let us know."

He added: "Searches like those carried out today are happening on a daily basis, and my message to those who were involved in criminality is that you will not get away with it.

"We have a huge team of dedicated officers working on this investigation, and we will find you.

"We are determined to bring those who committed these outrageous acts of criminality to justice, and we will continue to make arrests."

The Met has so far arrested 3,423 people in connection with the disorder, of whom 2,179 have been charged or summonsed.

A Tory peer claimed on Wednesday that the Home Office intended to cut compensation to those families who have received £2,500 donations from him after being left homeless by the rioting.

The Carpetright chairman, Lord Harris of Peckham, gave the money to families living above his store in Tottenham, north London, which was burnt down on the first night of rioting.

He said: "I'm told they are going to get some money off the Home Office, but the Home Office are going to deduct the money they received from me, which I think is very wrong.

Lord Harris told BBC Radio 4's World at One programme that he still felt very sad for the families. "They are being penalised for something the rioters did to them."

A Home Office spokesman said compensation was dealt with by individual police authorities, not central government.