A POLICE operation to tackle hate crime is currently taking place across all London boroughs.

Officers have carried out raids across the capital as part of Operation Athena and have so far arrested 30 people on suspicion of committing homophobic or race hate crimes or domestic violence.

Police have yet to reveal the location of the raids, but activities designed to tackle hate crime, including more high visibility patrols and encouraging of victims to come forward, have been taking place in all boroughs, including Waltham Forest.

Acting Detective Superintendent Gerry Campbell, heading Operation Athena, said: "Athena is now in its ninth year, and we retain a relentless commitment to tackling all forms of domestic violence, homophobic, transphobic and other forms of hate crime, whilst continually improving our services to victims and potential victims.

"Today's operation sends out a clear message: violence in any form is unacceptable.

"We will continue to proactively identify, arrest and seek the prosecution of violent people.

"We now have public protection groups in every London borough, dedicated to proactively investigating a wide range of domestic violence, hate and sexual crimes perpetrated by violent and dangerous offenders."