Guns seized in Shepherd's Bush

A routine police operation turned into an arrest which in turn took three firearms off our streets yesterday, in another example of what the local Shepherd's Bush Safer Neighbourhood Team get up to every day on our behalves.

I was told last night that at approximately 1100 hours Officers were making enquiries at an address on White City Estate. At the time they believed the 19 year old male at address had tried to dispose of evidence. 

A cursory search discovered street drugs and a fully working hand gun. He was arrested and taken to Hammersmith Police Station. A further search was carried out. One shot gun and another hand gun were found along with ammunition. The three guns have now been taken by police. The arrested male is still in custody as investigation continues.

I'm told that local police are extremely happy that 3 of the few guns that were in circulation are now well and truly safe.

As are we all. When they knock on those doors they really never do know what's behind them. The last time I joined them on a raid on the White City Estate we turned up what looked like a medieval axe and a samurai sword at a flat that had been used to make crystal meth, one of the most dangerous drugs it is possible to take. And we had a horrendous reminder of the impact these weapons have on our streets on Lakeside Road in May last year. 

Think about that next time you hear about police resources being cut by politicians.

0930 UPDATE - It seems this arrest was even more serious. The man was arrested with rocks of crack cocaine in his possession and was arrested for possession with intent to supply and having prohibited weapons. Nice.

1130 WEDNESDAY UPDATE: The gunman has been charged, the Police having just issued the following details:

The male, originally from Wolverhampton was charged on the 24th of January with :-

• Possession With Intent to Supply Class A Drugs
• Possession of a Shotgun without a certificate
• Possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate
• Possession of a firearm when prohibited for 5 years
• Two counts of possession of a firearm relating to the two handguns

Chief Superintendent Lucy D'Orsi, Hammersmith and Fulham Borough Commander said:

"This is yet another example of the great work performed by officers on this Borough and demonstrates the effectiveness of the enhanced Safer Neighbourhoods Team at Shepherds Bush. Thanks to their dilligence a dangerous male is now in custody and three firearms are off the streets of Hammersmith and Fulham. I reaffirm our committment to tackle crime through positive action and would urge anyone with any information on criminals in their area to contact us on 101 or annonymously via Crimestoppers"