Seven people were arrested yesterday in a police operation targeting violent offences.

Officers detained suspects wanted in relation to greivous bodily harm, assault and domestic violence in a series of early-morning calls at 15 Croydon addresses.

Twenty-five officers from Croydon police, backed up by other Metropolitan police colleagues, took part in the arrests, code-named Operation Cupid.

Detective inspector Simon Harding said: "We carry out arrest enquiries for people wanted by police 365 day a year, but today's activity was all about focusing in on those we suspect to be involved in violent crime here in Croydon.

"With the co-ordinated activity across the various teams and officers involved, we were able to arrest several suspects, many of whom have been wanted for some time.

"It's a reminder to anyone involved in violent crime that we are determined to catch up with you however long it takes.

"This operation has certainly enabled us to progress with our enquiries and we have also gained a lot of useful information which will hopefully lead to further arrests in the near future."