UK cops in child porn swoop

The UK's National Hi-Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU) smashed an alleged internet child porn ring this morning, arresting 50 suspects in seven countries.

The year long investigation, codenamed Operation Twins, reportedly dealt with hundreds of thousands of the most horrific images and videos yet seen.

Hundreds of victims are thought to have been involved in the case, most of them unidentified.

Dawn raids carried out in Belgium, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the UK and Germany saw 50 members of the group, known as the Shadowz Brotherhood, arrested. Dozens of computers and thousands of videos and CDs were also seized.

Six arrests were carried out in the UK, but 31 of the 50 suspects were arrested in Germany. The suspects will be charged with the production and distribution of child pornography as well as the abuse of children.

The NHTCU said that the investigation brought to light evidence that paedophiles are using increasingly sophisticated and organised systems to cover their tracks and hide their activities.