Met arrests 297 in Lambeth and Southwark gang crackdown led by Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond
Operation seizes 38 weapons and reduces knife crime by 18% in targeted boroughs over one week
Incident → evidence → outcomeThe Metropolitan Police arrested 297 people and seized 38 weapons during a week-long operation targeting gang violence in Lambeth and Southwark. The crackdown, led by Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, resulted in a reported 18% reduction in knife crime across the two boroughs.
Officers carried out 233 stop-and-searches and 13 weapons sweeps between 21 and 29 July 2026. The operation focused on areas with recent spikes in gang-related violence, including high-profile incidents in Brixton and Southwark.
Arrests and charges
Of the 297 arrests, 238 led to charges for offences including possession of dangerous weapons, drug supply, and attempted murder. A further 40 arrests followed stop-and-searches. Two raids on properties linked to known gang members in Lambeth resulted in arrests for drug supply and possession of an offensive weapon.
One arrest connected to a gang-related shooting in Tower Hamlets on 21 April 2026. A man suspected of assisting offenders by removing evidence from a suspect’s flat was detained in Brixton on 28 July 2026. He remains on bail while investigations continue.
Impact on violent crime
The Met said the operation contributed to an 18% fall in knife crime in Lambeth and Southwark during the week. Across London, the force reported a near 20% reduction in serious violent offences over the past 18 months. Homicides are at a record low of 1.1 per 100,000 people.
“Those driving serious violence across London should be under no illusion. We are targeting them relentlessly, and we will use every power available to take weapons, drugs and dangerous offenders off our streets.”
Bond said the operation formed part of a sustained effort to reduce violence. She acknowledged recent losses of life to gang-related attacks but emphasised the Met’s commitment to disrupting criminal networks.
What happens next
The Met said it will continue intelligence-led operations in Lambeth, Southwark, and other boroughs affected by gang violence. Residents can report concerns or provide intelligence via the Met’s website or by calling 101. The force has not confirmed whether similar operations will take place in Tower Hamlets.
Questions this report answers
01How many arrests were made during the operation?
The Metropolitan Police made 297 arrests during the week-long crackdown in Lambeth and Southwark. Of these, 238 led to charges for offences including drug supply and possession of weapons.
02What was the impact on knife crime in the targeted boroughs?
Knife crime in Lambeth and Southwark fell by 18% during the operation, according to the Metropolitan Police. The force attributed the reduction to targeted stop-and-searches and weapons sweeps.
03Who led the Metropolitan Police operation?
Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond led the week-long crackdown. She said the operation was part of a sustained effort to reduce gang violence and remove weapons from London’s streets.
04How can residents report concerns about gang activity?
Residents can report intelligence or concerns to the Metropolitan Police via its website or by calling 101. The force encourages community involvement in tackling gang-related crime.
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