Eight guns and ammunition haul seized in south London during dawn police raid

Eight guns and a “significant haul” of ammunition have been seized by police during a dawn raid in south-east London.

The Metropolitan Police recovered six handguns, a shotgun and a slam gun at a location in Abbey Wood during the early hours of Wednesday morning as part of an ongoing investigation known as Operation Viper.

Officers also found an assortment of ammunition at the location, as well as in a nearby woodland.

Operation Viper is being led by detectives who specialise in firearms intelligence, and they were joined on the raid by colleagues from units including the Territorial Support Group and Firearms Command.

The recovered weapons have been taken for forensic examination, which remains ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector Gavin Collins, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said the search was part of the force’s efforts to tackle violent crime.

He said: “This operation has removed a significant number of deadly firearms from circulation, preventing any number of potentially dire outcomes.

“Violent crime has a devastating and lasting impact on victims and the wider community, which is why officers are working day in, day out to dismantle organised criminal gangs facilitating the importation, manufacture and transportation of firearms around the UK.

“I would like to thank the local community for their patience, understanding and assistance during this operation.

“I don’t underestimate the impact such activity has on those living nearby.

“The majority of shootings in London are linked to street gangs and organised crime groups, so the likelihood of being a victim of gun crime, if you are not connected to these groups, is low.”

Mr Collins added that communities can help police tackle gun crime by providing information on people they believe to be involved, and on where firearms are being stored.