Police appeal to weapons bus riders

8:39am Tuesday 20th May 2008

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OFFICERS want to speak to anyone who was on the 47 bus which was stopped by police in Deptford.

They took the action after becoming suspicious about a large group of youths travelling on the top deck at around 8pm on Saturday (May 17).

Some passengers got off the bus before police got on in Evelyn Street, near the junction with Oxestall's Road, and the vehicle was driven to Lewisham police station.

Six knives, two screwdrivers, a corkscrew, a golf club, a metal baseball bat, a mallet, two wrench handles, a claw hammer and a metal bar were found on the bus and 24 teenagers were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit violent disorder.

The group, aged between 14 and 18, are from the Deptford, Rotherhithe and Lewisham areas and have all been bailed to return to Lewisham police station pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector Tony Anderson wants anyone who was travelling on the bus that evening and saw anything suspicious to get in touch as they may be valuable witnesses.

Anyone with any information should call Lewisham CID on 020 8284 8313 or 07788 916864.