FOURTEEN people in Lewisham, Greenwich and Bromley have been arrested in dawn raids cracking down on domestic violence and hate crime.

The London-wide operation today was "aimed at putting the fear back on to the offender", said a police statement.

It also aimed to encourage victims to report crime so action can be taken against offenders.

Officers arrested at least 52 people across the city, with five arrests in Greenwich, four in Lewisham and five in Bromley Alleged offences include assault, ABH, GBH, criminal damage and witness intimidation and those arrested have been taken to police stations for questioning.

The Met Police says action can be taken against domestic violence offenders without a statement from the victim.

Head of the Violent Crime Directorate Commander Shaun Sawyer said: "Your partner's silence no longer protects you."

The operation coincided with the International Day Against Homophobia.