Five held over Selfridges robbery after raids by Scotland Yard's anti-robbery Flying Squad

Police from Scotland Yard's anti-robbery Flying Squad have made a series of arrests over smash-and-grabs at a popular department store and a jeweller's.

Officers staged a series of dawn raids in Islington, north London, at around 6.30am, swooping on eight addresses and making five arrests.

The operation was linked to a robbery at Selfridges in London's Oxford Street in June, and another at a jeweller's in Windsor, Berkshire, in April.

Detective Inspector Bob Currie said: "This morning's raids represents the next stage in what is a complex and ongoing investigation.

"The actions of the people involved in these two offences showed a blatant disregard for the safety of the public and those members of staff at the premises targeted.

"Today's arrests show that the Flying Squad will continue to pursue those who choose to commit these types of offences, gathering the necessary intelligence to arrest them and bring them before the courts."

Two men have already been sentenced in connection with the Selfridges robbery - Sam Curtin, 24, from Holloway Road, north London, who was jailed for 13 years, and Connor Groake, 19, from Islington, north London, who was given eight years.

They had admitted conspiracy to rob and aggravated vehicle-taking.

PA