Gun taken off the streets after police operation in Streatham

By Rafi Benady

Police officers yesterday found a handgun following a proactive operation.

The gun was recovered at around 2am on Saturday morning in Thornton Heath after police from South West and South Area Command Units no-knocked two addresses.

Officers raided an address on Ribblesdale Road, Streatham, and another in Norbury Avenue, Thornton Heath, where the gun was recovered.

Two men, both 21, were arrested at each address on suspicion of robbery and possession of a firearm with intent to cause violence. They remain in custody.

Police discovered the handgun from a vehicle during the searches at Norbury Avenue. It will be sent for testing to confirm if it is a live weapon.

The raids came after a linked series of three robberies across part of east and south London between September 29 and November 23.

The suspects would respond to ‘for sale’ ads for goods such as expensive mobile phones and then arrange to meet the victims.

On arrival, the suspects would intimate they were in possession of a firearm and rob them.

Detective Inspector Andy Griffin from the South West CID said: “These arrests are the result of some fast-time investigative work following a series of robberies where violence was intimated and the victims genuinely feared for their safety.

“It is an example of great collaborative working from units across the MPS, including colleagues from South Area BCU, our firearms team and intelligence units.

“Two men have been arrested and our work will continue to ensure those involved face the legal consequences of their actions.”