Extra police officers will be on streets of London this Bank Holiday weekend amid surge in violent crime in the capital

Extra police officers will be on the streets of London this Bank Holiday weekend amid a surge in violent crime in the capital.

"Bank Holiday should be a happy and safe time for all," the Mayor of London said today, as he announced officers from the Metropolitan police and the new Violent Crime Taskforce - in both plain clothes and uniform - will be on duty from Saturday.

"Violence on our streets will not be tolerated," he said in a statement, which warned Londoners against carrying weapons.

Two teenagers were stabbed and a man was shot during a spate of violence in London over the early May Bank Holiday weekend.

Mr Khan said: "Extra police officers, both plain clothes and uniformed, will be on duty across our city this weekend.

"These extra officers come from across the Met and the new Violent Crime Taskforce – which is funded by additional money from City Hall."

He added: "I want to be clear - violence on our streets will not be tolerated.

"Carrying a weapon, this weekend or any time, will not keep you safe. If you carry a weapon, be prepared for the full force of the law to come down on you."

The Mayor's statement came as he announced on Facebook that he has been out with officers from the Violent Crime Taskforce "to see for myself their effectiveness, professionalism and dedication".

He said: "Made up of full-time, specifically selected police officers – the Taskforce are achieving real results.

"Just last night the Taskforce made six more arrests, taking the total to 120 in six weeks. They have taken hundreds of weapons off our streets."

If you have any concerns about friends, family or people in the local community call the Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, phone 999.