Police descended on a site in the early hours of this morning as part of a huge operation.

Hundreds of officers stormed Orpington , targeting the supply of firearms and drugs.

It was one of the Met Police's biggest armed operations this year and took place in Star Lane.

Officers had discovered a series of crimes, which were believed to be carried out by suspects linked to the location, during months of investigating.

Due to the serious nature of the criminality believed to have been committed, armed police and the Territorial Support Group were sent in.

Hundreds of officers swooped on the site at about 2.45am in more than 30 vehicles and carried out multiple search warrants.

Distraction devices were used by the police, which residents reported being awoken by a series of four of five loud bangs - believed to be flashbangs, sirens, and a helicopter flying overhead.

One man thought the army had been called in while a woman, who did not want to give her name, thought it was an alien visitation.

She said: "I woke up and heard five or six loud bangs in a row.

“I went to my window and saw a large red globe in the sky, I thought it was a UFO!"

The womam, who has lived in the area for around 16 years, said police helicopters regularly fly over the area and the traveller site is a regular source of trouble.

She added: "Some of them cause trouble and they get visitors coming up and acting tough. A lot of them are nice but a few spoil it for the rest.

"It's gotten worse over the years."

Neighbours also describe frequent police activity in the area, including what appeared to be a smaller-scale raid roughly two weeks ago.

One neighbour said: "I saw the meat wagons carrying armed police about two weeks ago and there were road closures that they said was for fly tipping but I think it was surveillance."

The raid led Supt Andy Brittain to apologise for the "loud noises" - which are expected to continue in the area over the next few days - on social media.

This is due to the "size of the site and intelligence around where firearms may be stored" and specialist search officers will now be present at the site for about two days.

He said in a statement: "We’ve been listening to the concerns of the local community and I hope that today’s activity shows how seriously we take your concerns and that we do act upon them.

"This is a prime example of why we rely on intelligence and information so much from our communities. It helps us keep your streets safe.

"Local residents may see an enhanced police presence over the next few days and possibly some road closures whilst we carry out our searches.

"We are working with the local authorities to look after the safeguarding of residents and children that may be temporarily displaced whilst we do these searches."

Seven people have been arrested for offences including possession with intent to supply drugs, handling stolen goods and burglary.

Two people are also being supported by a modern slavery team and, so far, 17 dogs have been seized.

Commander Kyle Gordon said tackling violent crime remains the Met’s "top priority".

"This operation has targeted serious and organised crime head on, and will mean the surrounding communities are now safer for those living within them," he said.

"Over recent months we have seen an increase in the number of firearms incidents across London and proactive operations like this are crucial to removing the availability of weapons and drugs on the streets.

"We have now seized dozens of lethal firearms and prevented them entering the hands of dangerous individuals."

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