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The arrests are part of a police operation in south-east London following the attempted murder of a 33-year-old man on December 29 and this took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning, police said. But the operation was not terrorism-related, it has been confirmed. The Metropolitan Police said: "There is currently an ongoing, proactive police operation at a site in Abbeywood, SE2. A number of arrests have been made. This is not terrorism-related."

The Met Police said in a statement: "The arrests are the culmination of a long running proactive investigation launched following the attempted murder of a 33-year-old man on Sunday, 29 December, 2019 in Throwley Close, SE2 and reports of violent offending, including firearms offences, in the local area over the last six months. "Officers from Greenwich, within South East Command, executed six warrants at a site in Abbeywood, SE2 and a further two at addresses in Combwell Crescent, SE2 and West Parkside, SE10. "Officers from the Specialist Firearms Command and Territorial Support Group (TSG) assisted with the specialist method of entry equipment and skills." Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, from Greenwich, added: “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.

London news: Greenwich police have arrested a number of people

Uk news: Gunshots heard in Abbeywood

“Our proactive operations will continue, and will be tireless and unwavering. “We will continue to work with colleagues at the Royal Borough of Greenwich to challenge crime.” No people were injured during the operation. The police added no shots were fired, but residents were quick to post shocking videos that showed the night sky flash with an eerie yellow glow due to what they believed to be gun shots. JUST IN: Coronavirus latest: People now allowed to leave Wuhan

Uk news: The operation was carried out in the early hours this morning

Massive explosion, multiple gunshots, several unmarked vans outside my door, armed police all around my block and this...

Little worried, anyone know what's going on at the traveler site in Abbeywood? pic.twitter.com/XFriJQmwuk — PK (@PK7x2) April 8, 2020

Loud noise could also be heard in the videos, with many people wondering what was happening. One person tweeted: "Shots fired I think, heard about six shots abbey wood area armed police by the Sainsbury’s." Another social media user added: "Why can I hear explosions from Abbey Wood when I live several miles away?" Another added: "Massive explosion, multiple gunshots, several unmarked vans outside my door, armed police all around my block and this. DON'T MISS

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UK news: There have been no reports of injuries

"Little worried, anyone know what's going on?" Another video was also shared of helicopter searchlights beaming down on the dark ground below. And a fourth person tweeted: "My neighbour called the police and they said it is a police operation and can not disclose any information." Express.co.uk has contacted the Met Police for more information.

One person also said: "What is going on here in Woolwich? "Very scary to be hearing gunshots this time of night."



Uk news: Police confirmed this had been a planned operation

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