Police come under heavy criticism over 'child criminals' raids (Roundup)

By Rich Bowden, M&C Staff Writer Jan 29, 2008, 11:47 GMT

(M&C) - Nine of ten children who police claimed had been captured and taught to lead a life of crime, have been returned after the children were found to be living with their families.

Police raided 17 homes in Slough, Berkshire last week however all but one of the children have been returned after police found them not to be in danger.

The homes belonged to gypsy families and members of the community say the children were targeted because parents often do not marry and children are sometimes looked after by extended families.

One man, who spoke to the Telegraph, criticised the police officers' heavy handed approach.

"They entered the house wearing balaclavas. They immobilised us and didn't even let us get dressed. From 5am to 11am they didn't let us make a move," he said.

"They turned our house upside down and searched everywhere. They didn't find anything and in the end after they'd finished everything they took the children."

Police have denied mishandling the situation saying they had acted on specific intelligence. Steve Allen, a Metropolitan Police commander, said he had acted correctly.

"The story would have been very different had I not acted - and had subsequently one of the children turned up dead. You would quite rightly be putting me on the spot and asking me questions about why I hadn't taken action," he said.