A six-week police operation to tackle drug dealing in south east London has led to 86 arrests.

Operation Perseus started in July in direct response to concerns in Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich about drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

The operation ended today (August 21) with two men arrested on suspicion of drug offences after officers seized a quantity of Class A drugs.

Police say 81 of the 86 people arrested have been charged after nearly 100 warrants were executed with court appearances to come.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said: "Operation Perseus began as a direct response to concerns from locals about drug dealers causing misery in the areas they operate.

"Following an investigation, we executed a number of warrants. I hope our efforts demonstrate the Met’s commitment to listening to communities and acting accordingly.

"Whilst the causes of violent crime are complex and wide-ranging, we regularly see drug dealing inextricably linked with a high proportion of violence in London.

"We regularly see young people and the more vulnerable within our communities, targeted and exploited by those who seek to peddle drugs, often instigating violent acts and placing people at risk of harm and criminalisation in the process.

"Across the Met, we are doing this kind of work every day to make the capital a better and safer place and we will continue to prioritise and respond to concerns from communities."

Anyone with concerns about drug dealing in their area are asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.