London Bridge attacks: 12 arrested by police after Barking raids
Operation follows atrocity which left seven people dead
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
![Louise Thomas](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Louise Thomas
Editor
A total of 12 people are being held by police after early morning raids on flats in Barking, in connection with last night's attack on London Bridge.
Eight more people have been arrested at different across the town.
The flat was home to one of the people suspected to have taken part in the stabbing rampage, sources told Sky News, but the Metropolitan Police did not immediately comment.
A woman was also arrested during the raid but later released, according to the broadcaster.
Later, four women were driven away in a police van but it was unknown if they had been arrested or simply moved.
Residents reported hearing loud bangs and said they were later told by police they were controlled explosions.
Neighbour Ali Nabi told The Daily Telegraph: "I heard the police shouting 'get down, get down', I looked out of my window and they were laid on the floor. All Asian men in black religious robes.
"One was in his 50s, another had a white beard, the third was in his 30s and the fourth was younger. They were all laid down with their hands cuffed behind their backs.
"I think it was someone on the ground floor but I've never seen them."
TV footage showed an ambulance outside the property.
At least seven people were killed after the attack and dozens more were hurt.
Police shot dead the three attackers and have launched an investigation.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments