Police arrested two people in Croydon in south London wide raids on drug dealing gang members.

On Thursday, 23 people were arrested in total across Croydon, Merton, Wandsworth, Lambeth and Lewisham as police swooped in on addresses across South London.

They believe the arrests will result in "a significant reduction of serious youth violence, gun and knife crime."

The operation saw 350 officers seize drugs and cash and arrest people for offences ranging from fraud and conspiracy to spy to supplying class A drugs and motor vehicle offences.

Police did not reveal where the arrest took place in Croydon nor what the specifics of the offence were.

The raids were led by the Metropolitan Police Service's London Crime Squad, and they were joined by Trident’s Central Gangs Unit and the Dogs Unit, amongst others. Following the raids police took to the streets to reassure and engage with youths.

Detective chief superintendent Simon Laurence said: "Those targeted in today's coordinated operations are believed to be 'high harm' individuals and known gang members who are suspected of involvement in a series of crimes including supply of class A drugs and violence.

"The operation demonstrates how the London Crime Squad will work across boundaries in order to arrest criminals who cause harm in their communities, through drug dealing and gang-related criminal."