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Rival drug gangs’ Ilford town centre ‘turf war’ leaves workers living in fear
Costa Coffee, Cranbrook Road. - Credit: Archant
Rival drug gangs operating from outside a town centre coffee shop have left staff “worried for their lives”.
Police admit Ilford town centre has become the site of a “turf war” between two gangs – of Somali and Afghan origin – affecting business in the area and terrifying workers.
The situation has become so bad that Costa Coffee, Cranbrook Road, Ilford, is employing a security guard to protect the shop.
One worker said: “I am worried for my life. We have a security guard and CCTV but once I close the shop I am by myself.”
Other businesses have also spoken to the Recorder about the “frightening” situation, with one worker – too afraid to be named – saying he was living in a “permanent state of fear”.
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He said he had reported suspicious activity to police on several occasions, but had not seen any change.
Chamber of Commerce chairman Geoff Hill said the news was a “step backwards” for the town centre.
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Read the full report in today’s Ilford Recorder.
