Police say they "may have prevented a murder" after a criminal was caught with a knife and drugs in Croydon.

On January 15, Josiah Johnson, 22 of Meadow Road SW8, was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment at Camberwell Green for possession of points and blades, possession of cannabis and obstructing a constable.

Your Local Guardian:

Josiah Johnson

This came after police were called to Shrublands Avenue on January 10 following reports of anti-social behaviour and drug dealing.

Officers detained Johnson following a foot chase and he was searched utilising stop and search powers.

Police found a large knife tucked into his waistband and a quantity of cannabis.

Sergeant Maskell said: “Officers from my team have detained a highly dangerous individual.

"This epitomises the value of stop and search as an effective tactic and may have prevented a murder.”