Two men were arrested in the borough and a knife and laptop were recovered last Wednesday as part of a London-wide day of action targeting gang members.

Two warrants were executed at residential addresses when officers from Waltham Forest police and the Trident Gang Crime Command conducted a series of dawn raids as part of the Met’s ongoing crackdown on gang crime across the capital.

Russell Littlechild, 26, of Merton Road, E17, was charged with possession of class B drugs and has been bailed to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on June 26.

A 34-year-old man was arrested for possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs and has been bailed to return on July 3.

A 43-year-old man was also issued with a cannabis warning notice.

A knife was found in Cann Hall Park, E11, and a laptop was found under a skate ramp in E11 by officers carrying out weapon sweeps across the borough.

Officers from Waltham Forest police and the Trident Gang Crime Command, assisted by officers from the Met’s Territorial Support Group and CO19 Specialist Firearms unit, conducted a series of dawn raids as part of the Met’s ongoing crackdown on gang crime across the capital.

Those targeted are believed to be active gang members who are suspected of various offences, including possession of drugs with intent to supply.

Waltham Forest Borough Commander Mark Collins said: “We will continue to seize on every opportunity we can to reduce gang activity in Waltham Forest.”

He added: “Those involved in gangs should realise that there is a way out and that we can put them in touch with people who can help them turn their lives around, including mentors, education centres and potential employers.

“However, if these individuals refuse support and will not change their behaviour, we will pursue every legal avenue open to us to imprison them, prevent their criminality or disrupt their behaviour, including working with local housing providers to secure evictions where we can prove a breach of tenancy.”