Arrests in domestic violence raids

Diners ignore the attack in Refuge's cinema advert

More than 100 men have been arrested during a series of raids across London to reduce domestic violence.

Scotland Yard says 115 people have been arrested, including two women.

The arrests have resulted in more than 70 charges, including rape, grievous bodily harm, making threats to kill and unlawful imprisonment.

Detectives say they acted on tip-offs and other information uncovered during ongoing investigations.

More than 300 officers were involved in the raids across London on Wednesday and Thursday morning which form part of a wider campaign against violence in the home.

Earlier this week Scotland Yard began a publicity campaign in which posters and advertisements appeared in newspapers, on taxi seats, men's toilets in pubs and in football programmes.

It coincided with a campaign of cinema advertisements by the charity Refuge and a name-and-shame campaign by a national newspaper.

The police poster campaign targets male offenders

Police research shows 85% of domestic abusers are male, mostly in the 21 to 40 age group. The Met's campaign was specifically aimed at them.

Chief Superintendent Rod Jarman said domestic violence affected Londoners more than any other crime.

He added: "It is more likely to involve repeat victimisation than any other crime, often resulting in serious injuries and in some cases murder.

"We are and will take action if you physically and emotionally abuse your partner. Violence of this kind is not acceptable."

Last year police recorded 104,050 domestic violence incidents in London. One in four of the city's murders is linked to domestic violence.

Police officers have been working with housing associations, social services and voluntary organisations.

A range of activities took place in town centres across London on Wednesday to highlight domestic violence and support on offer.