Record-breaking dawn raids targeting burglary and drug offences led to the arrest of 48 people in Tower Hamlets this morning.

In the Metropolitan Police’s largest ever number of coordinated raids, more than 1,000 officers attended 72 addresses in east and north London.

Operation Carbon - which was supported by Tower Hamlets Council - led to the seizure of a “significant haul” of electrical goods, including laptops and smart phones, police confirmed.

Tower Hamlets borough commander Ch Supt Dave Stringer said: “This morning’s raids are the culmination of a pre-planned, long-term initiative designed to disrupt criminal gangs.

“Every break-in and every street snatch shatters lives whilst drug dealing can have a devastating impact on communities.

“This operation highlights the Met’s commitment to tackle serious and organised crime by targeting those involved in this type of criminality.”

Detectives said the arrests were the culmination of a lengthy investigation into the borough’s criminal networks, with an emphasis on drug offences, burglary and robbery.

A total of four other arrests were made in Hackney and Haringey.

Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman said the council was happy to support the investigation.

“This operation has targeted persistent offenders whose actions have had serious implications for their victims”, he added.

“Tower Hamlets Council is committed to tackling crime, with local partnership working such as this operation with the police making a real difference for local people.”

All of those arrested are currently in custody pending further enquiries.