Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder as part of an investigation into a shooting in Hackney.
Officers carried out warrants at eight residential properties across east London on Thursday, 11 March.
Six men and two women, aged between 18 and 22, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. They all remain in police custody.
The investigation follows an incident on Sunday, 31 January when police were called to reports of a firearm discharge in Pownall Road, Hackney. No injuries were reported.
Officers carried out enquiries and discovered that a number of people, who were suspected of being part of a gang, were involved and had been targeted by another gang.
Detective Chief Superintendent Marcus Barnett, from Central East Command Unit, said: “Seven people are in custody as a result of this operation, which has been led by my officers and those from specialist teams across the Met. Discharging a firearm in public and targeting others in the street is an incredibly reckless act. Thankfully on the occasion this happened, no one was hurt – but that could have been a very different story and we could easily be investigating a murder.
“An enormous amount of painstaking investigation work has led to this point today and as a result, there is no doubt that dangerous individuals are now off the streets. My message to my community is one of reassurance – we are absolutely determined to reduce violent crime and will continue to relentlessly pursue those who so brazenly commit such offences and put you in danger.
“If you know of anybody that has access to firearms or any other weapon, then I would urge you to report it anonymously to Crimestoppers.”
Specialist firearms officers supported the warrants, which took place at eight addresses in Hackney, Leyton and Barkingside.
Searches of the addresses continue and officers have found several weapons and drugs, including zombie knives.
Detective Sergeant Andy Rice, who led the operation, said: “We simultaneously targeted eight addresses to ensure the individuals are brought to justice. The success we have had is testament to the hard work of officers in tracking these individuals down. Conspiracy to commit murder is a very serious offence and if convicted these individuals could face a lengthy prison sentence.
“Taking firearms off the streets of London will remain a key part of our aim to reduce violence. This operation is just one of the many which target those who use firearms and want to cause harm to others.”
Detectives from the Central East Gangs Task Force are leading the investigation and enquiries are continuing.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 7551/31JAN21. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
+ Any young people who have information about violence, firearms or knife crime, can visit Fearless where they can pass on information anonymously – your I.P address will not be traced. Fearless is part of the Crimestoppers charity, and is also independent of the police.
Content courtesy of Metropolitan Police.
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