POLICE arrested 22 people and discovered drugs and a gun in early morning raids following last month's riots.

Operation Birch was set up following the disorder in Woolwich. Over 48 hours, 180 officers across the borough, assisted by Met Police Status Dog Unit and the Met’s rapid entry team, conducted 17 warrants and 35 arrest enquiries.

The search warrants resulted in the recovery of a significant amount of cannabis alongside Class A drugs and a hand gun.

Officers made arrests for a variety of offences ranging from handling stolen goods, indecent assault and assault on police officers.

DCI Mike Balcombe, in charge of Operation Birch said: “Police have been busy locating and arresting those involved with the disorder in Woolwich in the past month but we have also continued to focus our attention on other criminals who might have thought that they had slipped under the radar."