Six suspected youth gang members from Kingston were arrested in a series of lightning raids by police last week, as part of a huge campaign targeting the rise in violent crime in the capital.

More than 140 people were arrested across London during the swoops, which saw a firearm seized in Westminster and three dangerous dogs taken from their owners in other parts of the city.

Suspects were arrested for offences including robbery, serious assault and violent disorder, as well as aggravated burglary and the supply and control of drugs, although a Kingston police spokeswoman could not confirm specific details of the raids in the borough.

The intelligence-led operation was the biggest of its kind to be carried out under Operation Blunt 2, the Met’s drive to combat knife crime and other serious youth violence.

Commander Mark Simmons, the head of Operation Blunt 2, said: “We know that street gangs often play a part in violent attacks on young people.

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

“Clearly this is a cause of considerable public concern and the Met has been working hard over the last year to tackle the issue.

“To the families and carers of individuals targeted today, I would like to make it clear that we are knocking on their doors because someone living there has invited us in by being a gang member or involved in serious crime."

London’s deputy Mayor for policing, Kit Malthouse, said: “Londoners want the police to own the streets, not criminals and not gangs.

“Today we are sending a muscular message to those who use violence in the capital: we know who you are, and we are coming to get you.

“If you are in a gang, or if violence is on your agenda, we advise you to think again.

“If you continue, one bright morning soon, you can expect to see the inside of a police cell.”

The arrests come just weeks after a 16-year-old Wimbledon College student suffered severe brain damage following an attack by a gang of up to 20 youths in Blagdon Park, New Malden.

A total of 13 arrests had already been made in relation to the vicious attack, which saw the gang kick and stamp on the boy’s head before robbing him in front of his terrified friends on April 8.

All 13 have been released on police bail until the end of June.

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