Met Police reveal knife-crime operation results amid new teenager murder
The capital could hit record numbers of teenage homicides
The Met Police have seized nearly 300 knives and arrested over 900 people in a week-long crackdown on violent crime.
Operation Spectre included targeted patrols in violence hotspots, warrants to target high harm offenders and weapons sweeps in areas known for stashed weapons.
Senior police officer Jim Corbett, who led Op Sceptre for the Met, said: “Knife crime completely destroys victims, families and communities, which is why tackling it is our top priority."
He also described the operation as an "intensification" of existing knife crime prevention efforts.
But it comes at a time of heightened concern around youth violence, with 2021 on course to see record numbers of teenage homicides in London.
The Met announced on Thursday morning (25th November) that a murder investigation is underway into the fatal stabbing of a teenage boy, believed to be 16 years old, in Hounslow.
It takes the number of confirmed teenage homicides in London to 28, one off the previous peak in 2008.
Mr Corbett added: "Officers will continue doing everything they can to target that intent on committing violent crimes on our streets, to make London safer.
"Suppressing violence needs a holistic approach to deliver long-lasting solutions.
"We must all work together - the responsibility lies with us all to create safe communities."