Locals baffled by claims their leafy commuter town has become Mafia hotspot

Worried residents fear their usually quiet Hertfordshire town has become a haven for organised crime after a string of suspicious incidents

The sleepy commuter town of Cheshunt, with its quaint high street and 15th Century church, is hardly the place you'd expect to find gangsters lurking in the shadows.

But locals have reported a spate of worrying incidents, including drive-by shootings, suspicious cars and properties being bought and sold for large sums of cash.

Police probe links to Italian organised crime

Now police are investigating possible links to the Italian Mafia after a businessman with alleged links to the notorious 'Ndrangheta crime syndicate was arrested in the town.

The 50-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was held on suspicion of money laundering after armed police raided a property in Cheshunt.

Sources say detectives are looking into whether he has been using the town as a base for illegal activities, such as drug dealing and extortion.

Residents in fear

The news has sent shockwaves through the community, with residents expressing fears that their once-safe town is now being infiltrated by organised crime.

"It's very worrying," said one resident, who asked not to be named. "We've never had any problems like this before. It's not the sort of thing you expect in a quiet town like Cheshunt."

Another resident said: "I've heard stories about people being threatened and intimidated. It's very frightening. I don't feel safe walking around at night anymore."

Police pledge to 'leave no stone unturned'

Detective Superintendent Simon Morgan, from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit, said: "We are aware of concerns within the community and we are taking them very seriously.

"We are working closely with our partners, including the National Crime Agency, to investigate any potential links to organised crime.

"We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to protect the community and bring those responsible to justice."