A STASH of weapons were discovered when armed police raided a house as part of an ongoing crackdown on gangs following a recent escalation in violence.

An automatic assault rifle, two handguns, ammunition concealed in condoms and loaded magazines were seized during a dawn operation in Hall Lane, Chingford, on Monday.

A 21-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of possessing firearms as she arrived at the property while the raid was taking place and is still being questioned by police.

It comes after six suspected gang members were arrested when 70 officers swooped on properties throughout Waltham Forest on Friday in response to two linked shootings in the Chingford Hall area on April 25.

Three shots were fired at a house in Hazel Way at 1.40am before another home in nearby Russell Road came under fire at around 4.15am.

No one was injured in either incident.

Officers found a loaded gun, ammunition and cocaine at the homes of suspected gang members who are believed to responsible for a variety of crimes.

The items found on Monday were hidden in three rucksacks in a built-in wardrobe at the Hall Road address.

Police are currently carrying out tests to see if the weapons have been used in any reported crimes.(CHECK) Speaking after the latest arrest, detective inspector Christopher Jones, of Trident North East Team, said: "This is a significant recovery of deadly weapons which would likely have been used to commit serious offences with potentially deadly consequences.

"This activity is part of our ongoing and committed efforts to relentlessly pursue gangs and gang members across London through proactive operations and investigations."

Borough commander Steve Wisbey recently described the upsurge in violence as a "blip" in his force's otherwise successful response to the gang problem.

Those living in the streets where the shootings took place were too scared to reveal their identities, but said they were surprised at the latest incidents after tears of relative calm after previous problems.

Anyone with information about gang crime are asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.