Sawn-off shotgun among weapons seized by police in Poplar
A sawn-off shotgun discovered in Poplar in May - Credit: Archant
A loaded sawn-off shotgun found hidden in bushes was among a cache of weapons seized in the past three months.
Knives seized by police during a summer of weapons sweeps - Credit: Archant
Police revealed this week that officers have uncovered combat knives, claw hammers and crowbars during weapons sweeps carried out as part of a clampdown on violent crime in Tower Hamlets.
Det Insp Henry Akhigbe said: “Operations of this type are vital in reducing the likelihood of violent crime.
“Tower Hamlets has a strong sense of community and local people have the right to go about their lives safely and peacefully without fear of violence.”
The loaded sawn-off shotgun was discovered in St Leonard’s Road near the Balfron Tower, Poplar, in May.
Further sweeps in June uncovered three combat knives and a crowbar hidden behind some steps in a block on the Aberfeldy Estate, Poplar. The estate was also targeted on Sunday, July 28, during which officers found a large kitchen knife and claw hammer hidden.
The weapons sweeps are run by Tower Hamlets’ police Partnership Task Force, based at Bethnal Green Police Station. Areas to be targeted are chosen at fortnightly meetings, attended by police officers, council representatives and members of the local community.
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The Task Force’s supervisor, Sgt Peacock, pledged that his team would continue to work hard to combat anti-social behaviour and violent crime this summer and beyond.
