A TOTAL of eight people have been arrested in Waltham Forest in a London-wide police crack down on gang-related and youth violence.

More than 140 people have been arrested so far today (Thursday) following raids across the capital.

The operation is the largest of its kind to be carried out under Operation Blunt 2, the Met’s drive to tackle knife crime and other serious youth violence.

The focus was to target people suspected of being involved in violence against young people, of whom a significant number are linked to gangs.

Arrests have been made in raids across all 32 boroughs.

The arrests were made for offences including robbery, serious assault, violent disorder, aggravated burglary and the supply of controlled drugs.

All those arrested were taken to London police stations, and remain in custody pending further inquiries.

Police used tactics including screening arches at transport hubs, stop and search operations and searches of open spaces for weapons.

They are also seizing property believed to be the proceeds of crime.

Commander Mark Simmons, the head of Operation Blunt 2, said: "Individuals affiliated to gangs are cowardly, acting in packs and using weapons to target and intimidate others.

"Through intelligence we have identified the individuals we believe are causing the greatest amount harm. We have targeted a number of gangs intent upon causing misery.

"This operation builds upon that work by focusing on violent offenders, some of whom are gang members, with the intention of arresting them for various offences and placing them before the courts."