Two arrests in Twitter child abuse inquiry

The Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime and Operations, Paedophile Unit carried out a raid on an address in east London on Friday.

Detectives acted after receiving information from the Sunday Mirror following a probe by the paper into the misuse of the social networking site.

A man and woman, both in their 40s, were arrested and taken to London police station, Scotland Yard said. They were bailed to return on a date in November pending further police inquiries.

It is understood computer equipment was seized in the raid.

A Met spokesman said: “On August 10, acting on information received, police attended an address in E16 and arrested two people in connection with criminal activity.

“A man and woman, both in their 40s, taken to a London police station. They were bailed to return in November pending further inquiries.”

Det Sgt Simon Giles said: “Friday’s operation demonstrates the Paedophile Unit’s commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable and targeting dangerous offenders. I would like to thank the Sunday Mirror for supporting this work.”

The paper said it worked alongside child protection expert Mark Williams-Thomas, a former detective, during its investigation.

Labour MP Tom Watson told the newspaper: “It goes to show that all social networks must remain vigilant and actively root out these circles of suspected child abusers.”