A major operation cracking down on crimes relating to licensing issues is underway across the capital this bank holiday weekend.

Approximately 4,000 Met officers are taking part in the latest Operation Condor, which runs over a 48 hour period from ending tonight.

It is targeting those who flout licensing rules with more than 900 separate activities focusing on offences including license breaches by venues and the selling of knives, alcohol and cigarettes to under-age customers, drugs, tax avoidance and immigration fraud.

Last night officers made 221 arrests for offences like drug dealing, theft, burglary, robbery, grevious bodily harm, possession of offensive weapons as well as immigration offences.

Last night officers also visited 456 licensed premises across London and executed 13 warrants.

Officers are continuing to carrying out a range of operations, from enforcement of no drinking zones and spot checks carried out at bars, pubs and nightclubs to sex worker card patrols and brothel visits.

Acting Commander Carl Bussey, leading the operation, said: "Operation Condor targets those who flout licensing laws, for example, by selling knives, alcohol and harmful substances to underage youngsters; dealing drugs in pubs and clubs and illegal taxi touts.

"By working with our partner agencies, we aim to make sure that crime does not pay and that public safety is maintained over this busy bank holiday weekend.

“This is our seventh operation to date and we will continue to commit resources to these problems in order to reduce crime and increase public confidence."