Raids target youth gang members

Suspects are believed to be involved in violence against young people

More than 200 people have been arrested across London in raids targeting suspected youth gang members.

The Metropolitan Police said the raids were the biggest pre-planned operation of its kind targeting youth violence.

Suspects were arrested for offences including robbery, serious assault and the supply of controlled drugs.

The raids came on the day a man and two youths were convicted of stabbing 16-year-old Ben Kinsella to death in Islington, north London.

Ben was stabbed 11 times after a row in a bar in June last year.

The raids were a new phase in Operation Blunt Two, a year-long strategy to cut the number of victims of attacks.

Individuals affiliated to gangs are cowardly, acting in packs and using weapons to target and intimidate others Cdr Mark Simmons, Head of Operation Blunt Two

Items seized by police include five firearms, eight dangerous dogs and £85,000 in cash.

Property, believed to be stolen, has also been recovered, including credit cards, i-Pods, bicycles, mobile phones and other electrical equipment.

Commander Mark Simmons, head of Operation Blunt Two, said youth violence was clearly a cause of "considerable public concern".

"We know that street gangs often play a part in violent attacks on young people," he said.

"Individuals affiliated to gangs are cowardly, acting in packs and using weapons to target and intimidate others."

Kit Malthouse, vice chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority and deputy mayor for policing, said the raids sent out a strong message.

"Across London many residents will wake up this morning safer than they were last night," he said. "Many neighbourhoods will wake up to a brighter day."

Suspects arrested during the operation have all been taken to London police stations where they remain in custody while inquiries continue.

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Raids target youth gang members