More than 259 suspected gang members have been arrested in Scotland Yard’s biggest operation against youth violence.

The raids were conducted from dawn yesterday morning across London and so far 83 individuals have been charged.

A further 112 people have been bailed for a range of offences, including drugs, robbery and assault as part of Operation Blunt 2, which tackles knife crime. These included more than 70 arrests for drug supply and possession, and more than 60 arrests for robbery.

Police have recovered five firearms, more than £200,000 in cash, including dye-stained notes and a quantity of body armour and handcuffs. Eight dangerous dogs were also seized.

The operation was supported by officers from the Territorial Support Group, Specialist Dogs’ Unit, Operation Payback and the UK Border Agency. Safer Neighbourhoods teams and schools’ officers were also involved.

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