MORE than 30 riot cops raided the Bongchuffa cafe in Worthing, West Sussex, yesterday (N27).
In an astonishing overkill, police rushed in equipped with bullet-proof vests, helmets and battering rams.
Some 20 people inside the smoking accessories shop and cafe were made to put their hands on their heads or tables, searched and questioned and several were apparently arrested.
The cops' motives for the raid can be guessed at from the fact that they invited the mainstream press along to picture them in glorious action and from the statement from Inspector Allan Lowe, who told the Argus paper: "It is important for public confidence in Worthing that we do take action of this kind."
In other words this, like the ongoing bullying of environmental campaigners in the coastal town, was all about intimidation and being seen to be in control at all times.