03
December
2025
|
12:19
Europe/London

Leader statement on Operation Lanark

A man has been convicted of 26 charges following serious sexual offences against children.

Operation Lanark is a criminal investigation led by the Metropolitan Police Service into these offences. Operation Lanark relates to a now-closed nursery in Camden, and the Met and Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership have been in contact with all affected families. It does not relate to any setting run by Camden Council or a Camden Council employee.

You can read the further details of the case in this statement issued following the court hearing by the Metropolitan Police. Click here to read. 

As the local safeguarding authority, Camden Council has 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 who may have been affected at this incredibly difficult time.

Councillor Richard Olszewski, Leader of Camden Council, said: 

“We are horrified by the nature and extent of these offences committed against young children. This is extremely distressing for the directly affected families, and the parents and carers of children who attended the nursery. I want to reassure everyone that the safety of children and families in Camden – including those directly involved – is our top priority. 

“We are here for parents, carers and their children, and are determined to support and care for those affected in any way we can. This work is already underway. We are making contact with affected families and our children’s social care team are ready to provide emotional and practical support. 

“We have commissioned an NSPCC Helpline - 0800 028 0828 - for all families that are directly affected by this matter. The helpline is there to provide information and support, and as an alternative route to report any information or safeguarding concerns. It will run from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 6pm at weekends for the foreseeable future.

"To speak to a social worker, parents should contact the Camden children and families service by phone on 020 7974 3317, or by email at LBCMASHadmin@camden.gov.uk.

“We are here for our residents, and together with our partners, we are supporting families."

 

Resources for parents 

Affected families can access a range of support:

  • They can call the dedicated NSPCC helpline number on 0800 028 0828. The operating times are 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays for the foreseeable future. They can also email NSPCC on help@nspcc.org.uk
  • They can contact our Children’s Social Care team on 020 7974 3317 or email them at LBCMASHadmin@camden.gov.uk
  • They can speak to their GP

Anyone with information that they feel may be important can contact the Met’s investigation team directly via email at OpLanark@met.police.uk or by calling 020 7175 3384.

Camden Council has set up a dedicated web page – camden.gov.uk/OperationLanark – which includes all of the above information and will be updated as needed.

 

Further information on safeguarding 

In line with statutory national guidance set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2025, Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) – made up of Camden Council, the Met and the local NHS - have carried out a Rapid Review, which was completed on 14 November, and are now working on a more detailed Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review (LCSPR).

The CSCP 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.

On behalf of the CSCP, Camden Council have written to all affected families to reiterate that we, alongside our safeguarding partners, are here to support them through this difficult time. We have also informed them of the details of the proposed Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review and provided them with an information factsheet. 

As part of our usual practices and monitoring, all nurseries in Camden are checking their safeguarding processes to ensure they are as strict and robust as they can be.