There is no question that Operation Brigand was confrontational and robust.

The Oxford Mail saw it - invited by the police to witness the manoeuvre from start to finish.

Doors were pounded down, men were arrested in their beds by helmeted, body-armour clad policemen and led away handcuffed in full view of the world.

Thames Valley Police believed they were justified in taking the steps they did.

They had information gleaned from the diary of a man now awaiting sentence for street violence and robbery.

In the event, only four of the 10 men arrested were charged and stood trial, and found not guilty.

The police have ended up with a certain amount of egg on their faces.

Two councillors claim the incident reinforces the Muslim and black communities' lack of confidence in the police.

Mumtaz Fareed, chairman of the Oxford Independent Advisory Group, said many people in the community felt the raids were justified and that relationships were stronger.

We sincerely hope Mr Fareed is closer to the truth.

The police were investigating a series of violent robberies that had nothing to do with colour or creed.

The raids, however robust, were made in the interest of stamping out crimes for everyone.

The issue is not the colour of the suspects but how appropriate were the methods used by Oxford police.

That should be the focus in their review of the operation - it is of interest to everyone served by our force.