Operation Lanark

Operation Lanark is an ongoing police investigation led by the Metropolitan Police Service (the Met).

On this webpage is information about the response our colleagues at Camden Council and Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) are taking to signpost the package of support that is in place for all affected families. Barnet Safeguarding Children Partnership (BSCP) is supporting all relevant partners, families and victims where necessary and we have, with CSCP, supported the below response. This is a highly sensitive matter and an ongoing police investigation so please be mindful of what you communicate to prevent victims being identified and to prevent the ongoing police investigation being jeopardised.

Operation Lanark relates to serious offences in Camden, including sexual abuse against children at a now-closed nursery in the borough. Along with the Metropolitan Police, Camden & Barnet Safeguarding Children Partnerships have been in contact with all directly affected families. The individual who has now pleaded guilty previously worked in educational settings and may have had links to Barnet establishments.

 We know this is extremely distressing news and we want to reassure you that the safety of children and families in Camden & Barnet — including those directly involved — is our top priority. Organisations in CSCP, including Camden Council, the Metropolitan Police and the local NHS have been working together with partners, including those at BSCP where required, to coordinate and mobilise dedicated specialist services to support the families affected at this incredibly difficult time.

To date:

• Camden and Barnet Councils have commissioned a helpline that will be run by the NSPCC to support affected children and families. It will run 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays for the foreseeable future.
• CSCP, supported by BSCP, has carried out a Rapid Review, which was completed on 14 November, and is now working on a more detailed Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review (LCSPR) as agreed by the national Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel. The Partnership has written to all directly involved families to update them on our desire to keep them informed about the progress of the review, and that we will be asking for their experiences so that their voices can help shape the findings and recommendations. A link to subscribe to a mailing list to receive updates has been sent to all directly involved families. The LCSPR is due to be published in 2026 and will be shared with families. Further information on the review process can be found here: Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel — GOV.UK

Families who may be directly affected by this can access a range of support:

• If approached by families or individuals with concerns, direct them to the NSPCC Helpline: 0800 028 0828 (8am–8pm Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm weekends) or email help@nspcc.org.uk, or alternatively Barnet Council’s Children and Families Service on 020 8359 4066 or by email at mash@barnet.gov.uk.
• Families can also speak to their GP.

The ongoing police investigation

If you have information that you feel may be important, contact the Metropolitan Police’s investigation team directly via email at OpLanark@met.police.uk or by calling 020 7175 3384.

This remains an ongoing police investigation; please be mindful about any communications regarding this case to ensure that victims are not identified and to prevent any prejudice to the ongoing investigation.

We will keep this web page updated as needed and you can also visit Camden Council’s webpage at camden.gov.uk/OperationLanark