Handguns and AK-47s seized in police crackdown on gun crime

These weapons, seized prior to operation Kestrel 2, show the kind of weapons police are trying to take off the streets Credit: Met Police

Fourteen firearms including eight handguns and three AK-47s have been seized by police.

Officers have so far arrested 30 people in a week-long crackdown on gun crime, which began on Monday, including for attempted murder, assault and drug offences.

Operation Kestrel 2 is pulling together specialist policing units to track down criminals who carry or hide guns.

Firearms seized:

  • Eight handguns

  • One Magnum rifle

  • Three AK-47 assault rifles

  • Two shotguns with ammunition

Weapons sweeps, intelligence-led operations and patrols by armed response vehicles are all part of the crackdown.

Trident is also targeting people who use the internet and parcel services to smuggle firearms into the country.

The operation runs until Sunday.