Residents living near a St Mary Cray traveller site were woken by "loud bangs" and sirens as armed cops led one of the Met's biggest operations this year.

Hundreds of police descended on Star Lane at around 2.45am this morning.

So far, seven people have been arrested on suspicion of crimes including possession with intent to supply drugs, handling stolen goods, and burglary.

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!"

A Met Police spokeswoman confirmed that drones were used.

She said: "There was air support, including drones."

The resident, 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.

News Shopper: Police officers are briefed ahead of the raid in Star Lane, Orpington, south LondonPolice being briefed before the raid (Met)

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."

Seventeen dogs have been seized and two people have been taken into the care of a Met Police specialist modern slavery team.

Another woman who lives nearby, who only wanted to be named as Mrs T, said she suddenly woke up in the night to the sound of the raid beginning.

She said: "I was asleep in my bed when I heard loud bangs, I thought they were gunshots, and a helicopter and sirens.

"I have been for a walk in the field and saw police officers wearing riot helmets and other police wearing blue uniforms with a springer spaniel."

Dozens of officers continue to go in and out of the site, some carrying brown bags of food, pulling flood lights on trailers, and leading sniffer dogs.

They have been joined by RSPCA officers.

A Met Police spokesman said investigators are expected to be on site for two days looking for firearms.