20/05/2008

Police Seize Weapons In Crack Down

Police in Lewisham have seized several dangerous weapons following an operation in Deptford on Saturday.

Officers boarded a bus after a large group of youths acted suspiciously at a bus stop in Evelyn Street.

The bus driver was instructed to lock the doors and police recovered 16 weapons including six knives, two screwdrivers, a metal baseball bat, a mallet, two wrench handles, a claw hammer and a metal bar.

Twenty-four youths were arrested on the top deck of the bus, all aged between 14 and 18 on suspicion of conspiracy to commit violent disorder.

They are all bailed to return to Lewisham pending further enquiries.

Police are examining CCTV from the bus.

Leading the case, Chief Inspector Jerry Peppin, said: "Combating youth violence in Lewisham is our priority. We are determined to rid our streets of potentially dangerous weapons. This sends out a clear message to young people who might be tempted to arm themselves- we are watching and we will take action."

The find was part of Operation Blunt 2, a crackdown on youth violence and crime.

The incident happened just a few miles from were Jimmy Mizen died after being stabbed with a chard of glass while in a bakery.

It is reported that 13 teenagers have been murdered in London, nine of whom were stabbed.

Read: Jimmy Mizen Murder Witness Responds To Police Appeal

(DS)


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