Greater Manchester Police (GMP), supported by the Metropolitan Police Service (Met), have carried out a series of coordinated strikes against a suspected organised crime group believed to be responsible for violent robberies at festivals in both Manchester and London.

Officers executed 12 warrants at addresses across London on Wednesday morning (26 August) following an extensive investigation led by GMP’s City of Manchester Neighbourhood Crime Team.

The investigation was launched after 19 violent robberies were reported at Parklife Festival in Manchester in July this year.

Victims reported being approached in crowded areas of the festival and asked to hand over valuable items, including mobile phones and jewellery.

In several incidents, those who resisted, or who’s friends stepped in to help, were subjected to violence before their property was stolen.

Investigators believe members of the group would walk through the crowds and pass stolen items back and forth making it difficult to track where the items had gone.

Officers responded immediately to reports of the offences and carried out extensive CCTV enquiries during the festival, which led to the identification of a suspect by the victims.

Following his arrest on suspicion of robbery, investigators seized and examined his mobile phone, uncovering evidence which indicated a wider criminal network in operation.

Following significant evidence gathering and intelligence development, GMP officers, working alongside colleagues from the Metropolitan Police, executed warrants at 12 addresses across London, resulting in the arrest of seven people on suspicion of robbery and other related offences.

The investigation has also identified intelligence suggesting some of those arrested may be linked to similar offending at events in London, including the Notting Hill Carnival in 2025. These enquiries remain ongoing.

All seven people arrested in connection with this incident have been bailed pending further investigation.

Detective Inspector Natasha Feerick, from GMP’s City of Manchester Neighbourhood Crime Team, said: “This has been a complex investigation requiring close collaboration between Greater Manchester Police and the Metropolitan Police Service.

“By combining resources, intelligence and expertise, we have been able to identify and target those suspected of being involved in a coordinated series of violent robberies.

“Those involved believed they could travel across the country, target innocent festival-goers and avoid detection. They were wrong.

“Our investigation has uncovered what we believe to be a wider criminal network responsible for causing significant harm to victims who were simply trying to enjoy themselves.

“We hope today’s action reassures victims that we are committed to pursuing offenders wherever they operate.

“Our message is clear: if you commit these crimes, we will identify you, track you down and work tirelessly to bring you before the courts.”

Commander Claire Smart, the Met’s Gold Commander for Notting Hill Carnival, said: “These arrests come just days before Carnival where up to a million people will head to west London for what should be a fantastic celebration. They will be safer because of proactive policing interventions like the one we saw earlier today.

“This operation is one of many taking place in the weeks before the event to target the criminal minority who see Carnival as an opportunity to commit crime and target innocent revellers.

“I’m grateful to colleagues in GMP for their close collaboration.”