A police operation targeting criminals using the Central Line to enter Epping Forest resulted in three arrests last week.

Essex Police deployed plain clothes officers on the tube with dog teams and officers positioned at stations to crackdown on crime on Friday, November 27.

The operation saw nine stop and searches conducted, three of which led to arrests for possession of drugs.

One passenger was also fined for not paying for a ticket.

Officers positioned on nearby roads as part of the operation also reported one vehicle which failed to stop, however the driver made their escape and was not arrested.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We came out in force, paying attention to tube stations and the surrounding areas, with a view to disrupting anybody who might be using the tube network to enter the District to commit crime.

“A mix of high visibility and plain clothes tactics were used. Whilst some officers travelled by tube along the central line, staying alert to any suspicious activity, others were providing a presence within the stations and nearby footpaths and roads.”

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