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Operation Lanark

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

This is a deeply distressing case. On this page is information about the response we are taking as an organisation and to signpost to the package of support we have in place for anyone who needs it.  

We know this is extremely distressing news but the safety of children and families in Camden is our top priority. As the local safeguarding authority, we have been working with partners in the NHS, the Met, central, regional and local government and the voluntary and community sector to coordinate and mobilise dedicated specialist services to support the families affected at this incredibly difficult time. 

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 investigation being jeopardised. 

Operation Lanark relates to serious offences in Camden, including sexual abuse against children at a now-closed nursery in the borough. It does not relate to any setting run by Camden Council or any Camden Council staff member. The Met and Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership have been in contact with all directly affected families.  

To date: 

  • We 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.  

  • We have carried out a Rapid Review, which was completed on 14 November, and we’re now working on a more detailed Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review (LCSPR). Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership (Camden Council, the Met and the local NHS), have 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 sign up to a mailing list to receive updates has been sent to all directly involved families. The LCSPR will be shared with families and published in 2026. 

  • As we always do, we’re auditing all nurseries in Camden to check they have strict and robust safeguarding processes in place.  

If you’re directly affected by this, a range of support is available: 

  • You can call the dedicated NSPCC helpline number on 0800 028 0828 who may refer you to other services as needed. You can also email NSPCC on help@nspcc.org.uk 

  • Our Children’s Social Care team can provide emotional and practical support. If you want to speak to a social worker, call our Children and Families Service on 0207 974 3317 or email them at LBCMASHadmin@camden.gov.uk.  The call or email will be handled by trained staff who are ready to help and will make sure that you get the most appropriate support. 

  • You can also speak to your GP. 

The ongoing police investigation 

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

We know that you may have more questions but this is all the information we can provide due to the ongoing police investigation. For this reason, please also be mindful about anything you communicate to prevent victims being identified and to prevent the ongoing investigation being jeopardised. 

We will keep this web page updated as needed.