Police officers stormed 40 homes in south London this morning and arrested 25 people along the way to disrupt gang activity.

The major met operation was part of an 18-month investigation and around £50,000 in cash was seized earlier.

Violent Crime Taskforce officers raided homes in Lewisham, Croydon and Wandsworth in the early hours.

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The 25 suspects were arrested on suspicion of crimes like possession of firearms, possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply and handling of stolen goods.

Detective Chief Inspector said: "We have worked tirelessly to identify with our colleagues on borough and in other specialist units across the Met to identify and apprehend and those intent on, or considering, committing acts of violence."

The DCI of the South Area Safeguarding Basic Unit added: "Some significant areas of violence are down, we are seeing reductions in certain crime types including knife related injuries and homicide but we know this is little comfort to the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones or whose lives have been devastated by violence in some way.

"We remain utterly committed to tackling and preventing crime."

If you need help or information to support someone you suspect is involved in knife crime, or you want to assistance yourself, then you can visit www.knifefree.co.uk or www.london.gov.uk/content/london-needs-you-alive.