Sports Update 6 days ago ⏱️ 1 min read

Domestic abuse suspects targeted before World Cup in West Midlands Police raids

Domestic abuse suspects targeted before World Cup in West Midlands Police raids
Domestic abuse suspects targeted before World Cup in West Midlands Police raids BBCSpecialist police patrols in Cumbria during World Cup BBCChannel Islands highlight domestic abuse during World Cup BBC'We are using football as excuse for abuse' BBC'Drink and drug driving typically increases during major sporting tournaments as people gather to watch the games' Melton Times

More than 200 people have been arrested as part of a police operation to crack down on domestic abuse ahead of the World Cup tournament.

West Midlands Police has been carrying out a series of raids at the homes of suspected offenders and said it would work to seek justice for victims.

Domestic abuse can increase during football tournaments, and the force said it often saw its highest reports of offences during June and July.

The raids and arrests send a clear signal to perpetrators, the force added, and its message was that the abuse would not be tolerated.

Det Insp Charlie Sparks said: "Daily, we go out and arrest the domestic abuse offenders.

"We have the 999 calls where we go out and try and get there as quickly as we can, to put that safeguarding in place.

"Then on my department, the investigation team works tirelessly to try and get those charges through as quickly as we can for the offenders, and put that good safeguarding in place."

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