Four women have been arrested following a high-risk early morning police raid at the Old Town Pub in Thornridge. One female officer was shot twice and remains in hospital with critical injuries.
Officers seized large quantities of cocaine, multiple weapons, and evidence linked to human trafficking during the operation.
The raid was carried out by armed officers from the Coldmire Police Major Crime Unit shortly after 5am. According to police, the team was met with armed resistance upon entry, resulting in gunfire. The female officer, a 12-year veteran of the force, was shot twice and was rushed to Coldmire General Hospital, where she is in a critical but stable condition.
The alleged leader of the group, a 32-year-old woman who was already a suspect in a recent murder investigation on the island, was arrested at the scene along with three other women.
Constable Sabrina Sparks, who was involved in the operation, said: “This was a targeted intelligence-led operation. The recovery of Class A drugs, firearms and evidence of human trafficking demonstrates the serious criminal activity allegedly being run from these premises. Our thoughts are with our injured colleague and her family at this time.”
Items seized during the search include a significant amount of cocaine, several firearms including handguns, ammunition, cash, and documents and materials believed to be connected to human trafficking offences.
All four women are in custody at Thornridge Police Station. They are expected to be charged with a range of serious offences, including the attempted murder of a police officer, possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply, illegal possession of firearms, and human trafficking-related charges. The 32-year-old alleged leader will also be further interviewed regarding the ongoing murder inquiry.
The Old Town Pub remains closed and cordoned off as a crime scene while forensic teams continue their investigation.
Coldmire Chief Constable Eleanor Hargreaves said the operation had delivered a strong blow against organised crime on the island. “Incidents like this remind us of the risks our officers face every day to keep our communities safe,” she said. “We wish the injured officer a full and speedy recovery.”
Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incident or the wider investigation to contact them.
The area around the pub has been closed to the public while enquiries continue.
More details are expected to be released as the case progresses.