A group of men was arrested after a firearm was recovered from a vehicle last night.

Met police were called to Leysdown Road, Eastchurch, at 11.10pm.

Specialist Firearms Command officers were there supporting detectives from the Trident and Area Crime Command, which is responsible for tackling gang violence.

A total of eight men, who are aged between 21 and 50, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent for them or another to endanger life.

All remain in custody.

A witness reported seeing a police 4x4 next to a car at the bottom of Jenkins Hill and a police car next to another vehicle about 50 yards ahead at around midnight.

Passing motorists were reportedly alerted to the seriousness of the situation when they were instructed by officers at the roadside to "look straight ahead", ignore the incident and drive carefully past.