THOUSANDS of illegal DVDs were seized at an address in Thamesmead after a tip-off from a member of the public.

Police made six arrests on suspicion of the crime on Wednesday after entering the property in New Acre just after 6am.

Among the haul were films which have not yet been released in the UK, movies which are not currently available on DVD and a quantity of adult films.

A member of public noticed suspicious activity involving a large amount of software last Sunday and alerted Thamesmead Moorings Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT).

An operation was launched, assisted by officers from Abbey Wood SNT, Plumstead SNT, and two investigators from the Federation Against Copyright Theft.

Five men and one woman have been arrested on suspicion of possession of articles (DVDs), infringing copyright and un-authorised use of trademarks.

They have been released on bail without charge but must return to a London police station on March 9.

Customs and Excise will be alerted to a number of boxes of tobacco found at the property, thought to have been imported from China.

Leading officer Sergeant Noel Carmody said: "This case is a perfect example of how safer neighbourhoods and the local community can work together to clamp down on crime affecting areas local to them."