Two arrests after moped gunmen go on robbery spree in Hackney

A Met Police patrol team
Met Police.
John Dunne @jhdunne7 April 2021
WEST END FINAL

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Police have arrested two suspects after gunmen on a moped set off on a robbery spree around east London.

The pair were detained after reports of several attempted shootings and robberies in the Hackney area over the weekend.

Two males, aged 17 and 20, have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and robbery after warrants were carried out on addresses in east London on Wednesday.

As part of the inquiry detectives have seized a zombie knife, handgun, ammunition and a shotgun.

In the first incident on Friday two men on a stolen moped had an argument with a third man on Retreat Place, Homerton.

One of the thugs on the moped pulled out a handgun and appeared to try and shoot the man before riding off.

At 1.30am on Sunday the same moped with a rider and pillion pulled alongside a car in nearby Digby Road.

The moped rider approached the passenger window and gestured for the occupants to wind it down.

At this point that the moped passenger pulled out a shotgun but the vehicle managed to get away and there were no injuries.

The third incident was the robbery of a moped in Warner Place, Bethnal Green. Police were scrambled to the scene and found the stolen moped as well as one used in the robberies at the weekend.

They also found a shotgun, handgun, zombie knife and ammunition.

Warrants were carried out overnight on an address on Stephan’s Close in east London and Fleece Walk, in the north of the capital.

The two men were arrested and evidence seized.

Detective Superintendent Mike Hamer, who led the investigation, said: “Our number one priority is to protect our community from harm.

“Officers have worked round the clock over this holiday period and have done an incredible job and in quick time. Gun crime will not be tolerated in the Capital and we will continue to do whatever we can to stop those who carry out these violent and unnecessary crimes.”

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