Police said they seized 21 vehicles and were investigating over two dozen drivers after disrupting a 'car meet' at the Valley Retail Park in Croydon last week.

Some 400 people and 300 vehicles showed up to a huge car meet that was staged at the retail park in Croydon on Thursday night (September 16).

Police said that a total of 21 vehicles had been seized in their operation at the event on Thursday, while 25 drivers were also now being investigated for "racing on the highway".

A spokesperson for Met police described what happened when they attended the event:

"On Thursday, 16 September, at around 21:00hrs, officers assigned to Operation Crosshair deployed to Valley Retail Park, CR0, following reports of a substantial number of vehicles participating in illegal street racing, stunts, and other dangerous manoeuvres.

"Upon arrival, officers worked quickly to engage with crowds, vehicle occupants and business owners and manage the situation. There were approximately 300 vehicles involved in the meet.

"Around 400 people had gathered in Valley Retail Park to watch or participate in the car meet on Thursday evening and officers worked hard to disperse crowds - managing to close down the event by 22:00hrs.

"Police seized a total of 21 vehicles and 25 drivers are being investigated for racing on the highway."

Police Sergeant Mark Wells meanwhile discussed the dangers he said were associated with car meets like that witnessed on Thursday:

"These events encourage lawless, irresponsible and totally unacceptable behaviour. They appear motivated by fictional films and games which do not represent reality in any way," he said.

"Our message is clear, those involved in anti-social vehicle behaviour of any kind will face the consequences of their actions. Events such as this are a blight to the local community and put lives in danger due to reckless behaviour," he added.