A teenager who carried out multiple knifepoint robberies across Merton has been jailed.

The prolific offender, who cannot be named due to their age, was arrested in April and charged with committing a burglary that took place in Sutton the month before.

Merton Police's Burglary team took over the case and the individual was bailed to court for the end of May.

But the suspect failed to appear at court for the burglary charge.

In May, the same person robbed a juvenile at knife point in Wimbledon after following him on a tram, then robbing the same person again a few days later.

A week later, the suspect robbed a different juvenile in Morden Hall Park, again at knife point.

Both victims were able to escape after handing over property. At the beginning of June, a third robbery took place in Wimbledon, this time from the seat of a moped, again at knife point. The victim was told that they would be stabbed if they attempted to run.

The Burglary team led on all the investigations, and the hunt for the suspect began.

Led by the Gangs Unit, working in partnership with the Burglary team, a seven week hunt followed.

"The operation involved traffic, dogs, and other specialist teams under the overall coordination of the Gangs team," a Met spokesman added.

"The suspect was found to be sheltered by friends and family during this time and constantly moved around, to evade capture.

"In July, the team discovered that the illusive suspect was in the Mitcham area.

"Attempting to flee, the team quickly detained him and handcuffs followed.

"Found in possession of a large amount of cannabis and other drugs paraphernalia, an arrest for drug supply offences was added to the litany of other offences."

He was charged with eight offences:

4 x Robberies

3 x Possession of offensive weapons

1 x Drug supply offence

The trial followed, and the suspect was convicted of all nine offences including the initial burglary.

4 x Robberies

3 x Possession of offensive weapons

1 x Possession with intent to supply

1 x Burglary

His total sentence came to seven years and four months.

"This was a mammoth amount of work from our specialist teams working in partnership for victims of crime in South West London, securing this collection of prosecutions," the spokesman added.

"We want to encourage people to come forward and report crime, even if the offender has a reputation for violence, as we will fully support them through their difficult times."