Police cordon and dog unit seen during search on Willesden High Road

Police closed off part of Willesden High Road on the afternoon of Friday 2 October. A police dog unit was at the scene and officers were seen searching a building behind the cordon.

Footage shared with UB1UB2, filmed at around 5pm, shows police tape across the pavement outside a row of shops near a road junction. Traffic cones and keep-left signs were set out in the road, and a police van was parked next to the cordon.

Several officers can be seen standing at the taped-off area. A crowd gathered on the pavements nearby to watch, while traffic, cyclists and scooters carried on past the junction.

What police have said

The Metropolitan Police has not said publicly why the cordon was set up, what officers were looking for, or whether anyone was arrested. It is not known how long the cordon stayed in place.

Police dog units often support officers carrying out searches of buildings, for example when executing warrants or looking for people or items. Police have not confirmed what the dogs were used for in this case. Nobody should guess at the reason for the search until police give details.

Policing on the High Road

The High Road is one of the main shopping streets in Willesden, in the London Borough of Brent. It has a long run of independent restaurants, cafes and shops. The area is policed by the Willesden Green Safer Neighbourhood Team, which works with the neighbouring wards and the Harlesden town centre team.

In June 2025, local officers ran a high-visibility operation on the High Road. They said it was aimed at tackling crime and antisocial behaviour, and several premises were visited as part of it. Nothing suggests that earlier operation is linked to the search on 2 October.

Contacting the police

Anyone with information can contact the police on 101, or on 999 in an emergency. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.