Croydon police seize deadly weapon haul as dawn raids see 10 arrested including 13-year-old

Ten people were arrested during dawn raids in Croydon today which uncovered a haul of deadly weapons.

Police seized stashes of Class A and Class B drugs along with an array of knives, an imitation gun and wads of cash from New Addington homes.

Images from the raids show a variety of lethal blades, one more than 2ft long, alongside stacks of £20 and £50 notes.

The eight males and two females arrested range from 13 to 74.

They were detained on suspicion of a range of crimes including possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs and breach of bail.

Croydon Borough Commander Jeff Boothe said: "The borough has seen an increase in violence related offences and knife crime.

“This operation, and others to come, will see us targeting those offenders who commit this type of criminality.

“I hope this provides reassurance to the Croydon community and increases their confidence in the ongoing work we are doing to keep them safe."

Operation Rayong saw officers join forces with the Met's Territorial Support Group, Trident and Area Crime Command, specialist drugs dogs and Croydon Council's anti-social behaviour team.