More than 30 police officers carried out simultaneous raids on suspected gang members this morning.

Six people were arrested after officers from the Aries Gang Unit, together with uniformed and plain clothed officers swooped on the youths suspected of robbing Just Leather in North End on February 20.

More than 10 suspected gang members descended on the shop, stealing leather jackets and assaulting members of staff in the swift and violent raid.

CCTV footage shows the youths hanging around outside the shop while two males enter, within 30 seconds the rest of the youths have forced their way past shop staff, allowing the thieves to make their getaway.

As the rest of the youths starburst in different directions, one is involved in a fight with the shop keeper who retreats to his shop while the youth gestures that he has a knife.

Aries Gang Unit sergeant, Darin Birmingham, said: “We will not allow Croydon town centre to be subjected to these kinds of incidents.

"Shoppers as well as shop owners have the right to go about their business in a safe and protected environment.

“It is the police who control the streets and not the criminals and we will robustly and proactively take down anyone we suspect of being involved in such disorders.

“This morning sent a clear message, we know where you are, we have your parents onside and we will catch you.

“We are here to protect the public and we will relentlessly pursue anyone who causes harm or distress to law-abiding people going about their daily lives.”

The raids, on eight suspected robbers, were carried out at dawn this morning across the borough in an attempt to crackdown on gang violence in the town centre.

They come after more than 30 alleged gang members turned the town centre into a battlefield as they fought a pitched battle.

The violence erupted at around 4.15pm on February 19 and sent shoppers ducking for cover as the youths fought with anything they lay their hands on, even a buskers violin.

Did you see what happened or do you know anyone involved? Let us know in the comments section below or call the newsdesk on 020 8330 9558