Armed police carried out a series of dawn raids this morning and arrested three men and a teenager on suspicion of attempted murder.

During the early hours, officers with guns targeted homes in Abbey Wood looking for people believed to be in possession of firearms and drugs.

Officers from Greenwich, within South East Command, executed six warrants in Abbey Wood, and two other addresses in Combwell Crescent and West Parkside.

Officers from the Specialist Firearms Command and Territorial Support Group (TSG) assisted with the raids using specialist methods to gain entry to the homes.

Four males were arrested, a 56-year-old, two 22-year-olds and a 14-year-old boy.

All four were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and officers are continuing to search the properties, which are thought to also be connected to serious crime.

Officers say the arrests are the culmination of a long running proactive investigation launched following the attempted murder of a 33-year-old man in December in Throwley Close, SE2.

They were also arrested after reports of other violent offending, including firearms offences in the area over the last six months.

Det Supt Andy Furphy, from Greenwich said: “The work of officers today has meant that violent individuals are taken off our streets; I hope it demonstrates our absolute ongoing commitment in bearing down on those intent on causing violence.

“Our proactive operations will continue, and will be tireless and unwavering.

“We will continue to work with colleagues at the Royal Borough of Greenwich to challenge crime.”

No one was injured during the operation and no shots were fired.

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