Armed police raided a property near Bushey after reports of a vulnerable man being held against his will in a “cuckooing” operation.

Officers were called at 9.15pm on Sunday (January 30) to an address in the vicinity of Aldenham Road, heading towards Bushey Arches.

Police said the victim, aged in his 30s, was allegedly punched in the head, face and chest and suffered a split lip and lump on his eye socket.

They added it is believed the property was being “cuckooed” – which is when a vulnerable person’s home is taken over and used as a base for drug trafficking.

A dog unit and armed officers attended and six men, aged between 17 and 22, were arrested on suspicion of a range of crimes.

They included false imprisonment, threats to kill, possession of a bladed article, and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine.  

Six males were arrested as follows:

  • A 21-year-old man, on suspicion of false imprisonment, assault by beating, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and possession of a bladed article.
  • A 17 -year-old boy, on suspicion of false imprisonment, assault by beating, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and possession of a bladed article.
  • A 22-year-old man, on suspicion of false imprisonment, assault by beating, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, possession of a bladed article and threats to kill.
  • An 18-year-old man, on suspicion of false imprisonment.
  • An 18-year-old man, on suspicion of false imprisonment.
  • An 19-year-old man, on suspicion of false imprisonment.

On Monday a Hertfordshire Constabulary spokesperson said they remained in police custody and enquiries are continuing.

Police on social media said the arrests were part of an “ongoing investigation into cuckooing”.

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In a separate incident, which officers do not believe is linked, a man and teenage boy were allegedly held against their will at a property in Westland Road, Watford, last month.

A man was charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, two counts of false imprisonment and two counts of causing GBH with intent.

He is scheduled to appear at St Albans Crown Court later this month.