Armed police raid caravan site (From Redhill And Reigate Life)

Armed police raid caravan site

11:10am Friday 15th December 2000

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A DAWN raid involving 100 police officers led to 11 arrests after police discovered a shotgun, suspected stolen vehicles and dead pets.

Armed officers taking part in Operation Goldfish swooped on Wapsey's Wood caravan site near Gerrards Cross at 5.30am on Tuesday.

The raid, planned for several months, involved Thames Valley Police, the RSPCA, social services, HM Customs and Excise and the Benefits Agency.

Of the 11 arrests made, two were for firearms offences, three for burglary and one for handling stolen goods.

Supt Mick Doyle, who led the raid, said: "We are very pleased with the outcome of the operation."

Three cars, a caravan, a lorry and four items of plant machinery were taken from the site.

Following the raid, three men arrested on suspicion of burglary have been released without charge; a 17-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of firearms offences and a 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of theft have all been released on bail.

Patrick Purcell, 63, of Wapsey's Wood caravan site, has been charged with failing to appear at court and appeared at Wycombe Magistrates Court on Tuesday; and a 35-year-old man arrested on suspicion of theft has been released on bail pending further inquiries. Two men and a woman are being dealt with by other police forces.

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