Met Police makes hundreds of arrests in week-long crackdown on gang violence in London

A total of 297 arrests were made during the week which resulted in 238 charges for offences including possession of dangerous weapons, possession and supply of Class A drugs and attempted murder.Police carried out 238 stop and searches which led to 40 arrests and conducted 13 weapons sweeps where 38 weapons were seized including knives and firearms.One of the weapons seized by officersMet PoliceThe crackdown was launched in response to rising gang-related violence and several high-profile incidents in Lambeth and Southwark in recent months.Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, who led the week-long operation, said: “This activity is part of an ongoing campaign to drive down violence and make our neighbourhoods safer. That sustained approach is already delivering results, with knife crime down by 18 per cent across Lambeth and Southwark.“But we know that despite this success, gangs continue to do harm to London’s communities. In recent weeks and months, more families have had to endure the unimaginable pain of losing a loved one to senseless violence.“We do not want to see another life lost which is why we’re so determined to keep taking robust action.Some of the items seized during the crackdownMet Police“Those driving serious violence across London should be under no illusion. We are targeting them relentlessly, and we will use every power available to take weapons, drugs and dangerous offenders off our streets.”Both plainclothes officers and firearms patrol units were deployed throughout the week to track down and arrest offenders known for carrying the weapons and dealing the drugs that are fuelling organised crime in the area. Drugs seized by officersMet PoliceOn Tuesday July 28, officers tracked down and arrested a man in Brixton who is suspected of helping the offenders remove evidence from a suspect's flat. He has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.Read MoreOfficers investigating a stabbing which took place on Albert Way, in Southwark, on July 28 arrested the prime suspect in the attack on suspicion of grievous bodily harm just hours after it was reported. The suspect has since been bailed pending further enquiries.