NINE people were arrested this morning as part of a crackdown on violent crime across London.

Warrants were executed at eight homes, including addresses in Greenford and Northolt. Six men and three women, aged 14-49, were arrested for a range of drugs and firearms offences.

A number of items were seized from the properties, including a sub-machine gun, a hand-gun, ammunition and large quantities of what is believed to be Class A drugs.

More than 200 officers from units across the Met took part in a combined effort to identify and target violent criminals across the capital.

Homes raided included one in Dorchester Close, Northolt, and another at Blenheim Close, Greenford.

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It follows an intelligence-led, five-month operation targeting a violent and sophisticated gang operating in West London and supplying drugs across the city.

Officers used a range of covert and overt tactics to identify and target high-level, violent offenders.

Commissioner Cressida Dick, who accompanied officers to Blenheim Close, said: "Tonight, after some really good, strong work over the last few months, we were in a position to go out and execute warrants in relation to a number of people.

"Several of them have a history of violence. One at least is suspected of regularly using firearms and they are being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

"People like this, who may appear to have been operating with impunity for a period of time, cause devastation and fear.”