Five arrested in Ilford after games arcade robbery in North London

Police have arrested three teenagers and two men in Ilford following a violent armed robbery of a games arcade in the early hours this morning.

Flying Squad detectives, already investigating a series of violent robberies at casinos and games arcades across London, made the arrests after Cashino, in Wood Green High Road, was raided at 3.35am.

Two men armed with a knife forced their way into the premises, threatened and attacked two male staff at the entrance, then went in search of the safe.

A third robber stood guard at the entrance as the first pair found and broke into the safe, stealing a substantial amount of cash, police said.

All three made off in a car, but undercover officers from the Met’s Flying Squad spotted it leaving the A406 North Circular in east London.

With the help of armed officers, they stopped it in Ilford Hill, Ilford, and arrested all five occupants on suspicion of conspiracy to rob. Three of them, aged 17, 18 and 21, were from Ilford, and the others aged 19 and 45 were from Manor Park.

They remain in custody for questioning this afternoon at a north London police station.

The Flying Squad’s Det Con Insp Steve Ellen said: “These arrests follow a pro-active operation by the Flying Squad. This robbery was aggressive and, we believe, pre-planned.

“The violent and forceful entry into the casino is characteristic of a number of robberies at similar venues which we are investigating. In these robberies, significant quantities of cash have also been taken.”

The two victims were treated at the scene but fortunately suffered no major injuries. Police enquiries continue.