Armed raid on hotel "not connected" to London gangsters (From Thisisdorset)

Armed raid on hotel "not connected" to London gangsters

10:00am Tuesday 23rd October 2012 in Latest

AN armed raid on a hotel in Bournemouth at the weekend is not thought to be related to London drugs gangs, police said yesterday.

As exclusively revealed by the Daily Echo, what was believed to be a large quantity of cocaine, a gun and cash were found at the hotel on Saturday afternoon in a swoop by armed officers amid dramatic scenes surrounding St Michael’s Hotel.

Yesterday, Dorset Police confirmed that drugs, a handgun and money were found by officers at the St Michael’s Road hotel.

London drugs gangs have been known to be operating in the Bournemouth area, most notably surrounding the death of Reece Menzies in Boscombe in July.

When asked by the Echo yesterday, a spokesman for Dorset Police said there was “nothing to suggest” a link at present, but anyone with information should contact them.

The spokesman added: “Enquiries are at an early stage and as yet no one has been arrested. Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Dorset Police in the strictest confidence on 101, quoting incident number 20:267. There is no further information at this time.”

St Michael’s Road was brought to a standstill shortly before 2pm on Saturday when armed police raided the hotel. An ambulance crew was also on standby and the police helicopter circled overhead. Police dogs were also used.

Dozens of people watched on as the drama unfolded and police stayed on the scene into the evening.

An unnamed hotel worker described the discovery of the gun, along with ammunition, a large amount of cocaine and cash. He said two men were involved.

Management at the hotel yesterday again refused to comment on the incident or investigation when contacted by the Daily Echo, accusing the newspaper of false reports.