Abbey Wood raids: Three men and 14-year-old boy arrested over 'attempted murder' after dawn raids in London

Four men and a 14-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after armed police carried out dramatic early-morning raids in southeast London.

Scotland Yard said officers executed eight warrants in Abbey Wood and Greenwich in “the culmination of a long-running proactive investigation” linked to violence, drugs and gun crime in the area over the last six months.

Six of the warrants were executed at a permanent travellers site in Abbey Wood, where nearby residents reported hearing loud noises “like explosions and gun shots” as the raids began at about 3am. Dozens of police vehicles pictured congregated near Woolwich ferry terminal before the operation began.

Footage posted on social media showed flashes lighting up the night sky and loud bangs ringing out.

The Metropolitan Police said no shots were fired and it is believed the bangs may have been caused by mini-charges used to blow open doors.

“Officers from the Specialist Firearms Command and Territorial Support Group assisted with the specialist method of entry equipment and skills,” the force said.

No one was hurt, the Met added.

Detectives launched the investigation after the alleged attempted murder of a 33-year-old man in Abbey Wood on 29 December.

Police said there had also been “reports of violent offending, including firearms offences, in the local area over the last six months”.

Two of the men arrested are aged 22 and the third is 55.

Officers were continuing to search the properties raided on Wednesday.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, from Greenwich said: “The work of officers today has meant that violent individuals are taken off our streets; I hope it demonstrates our absolute ongoing commitment in bearing down on those intent on causing violence.

“Our proactive operations will continue, and will be tireless and unwavering.”