Police made two arrests during a swoop on suspected drug dealers operating near Hounslow High Street, it was announced yesterday.

A total of 25 cops flooded the area around Bell Road in response to concerns from shoppers and traders about antisocial gangs loitering there.

They stopped and searched more than 40 people, charging one man for possession of cannabis and arresting another for having a wooden mallet.

Last Friday's swoop was the latest in a series of operations targeting gang and drug dealers in Hounslow town centre.

Hounslow sector inspector Huw Evans said: "These police operations are a robust police response to the problems currently experienced in central Hounslow.

"We will continue to make effective use of available legislation such as 'stop and search' powers and we are targeting individuals to reduce their persistent criminal activity."

Anyone with information about crimes being committed in the area is asked to call Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555 111.