Arrest made after machete and drugs found

A man has been arrested and a machete and drugs recovered after officers from Operation Venice stopped a car that had been reported as stolen.

At around 9.15pm on Wednesday, the officers – who were on patrol in the Westminster area – spotted a grey Fiat Abarth car in Edgware Road, W2.

The car had been identified by previous patrols as being stolen and was using false plates.

Officers indicated for the car to stop but it drove off at speed. An authorised pursuit was initiated and the Fiat was brought to a halt in Warwick Avenue, W2 after tactical contact was used.

The driver of the car – a man – was arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle theft, failing to stop for police, possession with intent to supply class B drugs (cannabis) and possession of an offensive weapon (a machete). He remains in custody at a central London police station.