A series of coordinated dawn raids have been carried out in Hammersmith and Fulham by police cracking down on violence and associated crime.

More than 165 officers from the borough, supported by colleagues from across the Met including the Territorial Support Group and Dog Support Unit, took part in the simultaneous raids which began on Tuesday morning (July 14) at 6am.

The operation aimed to disrupt the flow of Class A drugs and the gang activity and crime associated with it, police said.

The intelligence-led operation saw officers carry out a total of 10 search warrants in the White City Estate and surrounding areas of Shepherd's Bush. So far, eight people have been arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs.

Those arrested, who are all aged between 15 and 23-years-old, remained in custody at various west London police stations on Tuesday morning, pending further enquiries.

Items seized so far include around £20,000 and quantities of Class A and B drugs.

Chief Superintendent Gideon Springer, Hammersmith & Fulham Borough Commander, thanked the public for helping them carry out the raids.

He said: "Today’s intensive operation has culminated from concerns, information and intelligence gathered from the community.

"We have recognised criminal activity in the form of drug dealing and associated violence in White City which has stemmed from gang related activity.

"This morning’s action will have a significant impact on the supply of Class A drugs in and around the area and the crimes it produces."

He added: "These raids send a powerful message to individuals who attempt to live outside of the law - we are watching those dealing drugs and will arrest those responsible as well as their associates.

"This is just one example of how our policing team is working relentlessly to identify criminals who blight the community with behaviour and activity which has no place on our borough. Listening to and acting on community concerns remains at the forefront in our fight against crime.

"Today’s action is testimony to our ongoing commitment to protecting the public and bringing offenders to justice, and this work is by no means over. We are continually reviewing and adapting our policing tactics to ensure that we stay one step ahead, and crucially, that we are preventing offenders from choosing criminal pathways at the earliest opportunity.

"Together with the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and the community we are determined to stop offenders in their tracks and prevent another victim falling into their hands.

"Our message is clear - if you are intent on committing crime, you risk an early morning wake up call from our team and a future behind bars."