Armed officers have arrested a man who attempted to escape from police in a vehicle carrying 11 knives.
Whilst patrolling on Hornsey Road, N7 at approximately 23:45hrs on Monday, 6 May officers from the Met’s Specialist Firearms Command carried out a vehicle check on a white Audi.
As they carried out this check, the vehicle made off at speed. Officers pursued it until it stopped in Shaftesbury Road, N7. The driver exited and fled, but crashed the vehicle. He was chased and arrested in Ashley Road, N7.
No one was injured in the incident.
A search was carried out of the vehicle, and officers recovered 11 knives and a large quantity of Class B drugs.
The 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, possession with intent to supply Class B drugs and failing to stop for police. He was also shown as wanted for a robbery in April 2018 on the Police National Computer.
The suspect was also further arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with an incident in which a firearms officer was driven at and injured in April.
He was taken to a north London police station where he remains in custody.
Superintendent Philip Ryan, from the Met’s Specialist Firearms Command, said: “This was an excellent piece of work by my officers which has stopped a large quantity of dangerous weapons and drugs entering the wrong hands.
“There is no doubt these weapons would have been used in violence on the streets of London. Proactive stops like this are vital in preventing serious injury and the loss of life.
“A team of experienced officers will now lead an investigation into the man arrested and the weapons we found in the vehicle. We will continue to arrest those intent on carrying weapons and committing acts of violence.”
Central North Basic Command Unit Commander, Raj Kohli, said: “The work of our firearms colleagues was exceptional and I will personally thank them for their actions. This is a great example of colleagues across the Met working together to prevent and tackle violent crime and drug dealing across the capital. I want to reassure communities that we have officers out day and night working to identify and arrest those involved in, or intent on committing acts of serious violence.
“A Section 60 was in place throughout last night following a violent incident earlier in the day. This preventative power enables officers to stop and search pedestrians and vehicles without the usual reasonable grounds. This case showcases the value these searches have in preventing violent crime. Communities have an absolutely vital role to play in tackling violent crime. We need to hear from anyone who has information that could either detect or prevent crime.
“If you have any concerns please speak to one of our officers or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. They do not ask your name, and cannot trace your call.”
Young people can visit www.fearless.co
