A teenage boy has been arrested for allegedly carrying a loaded handgun in south London.
Officers said they attempted to stop and search the 17-year-old in Coldharbour Lane, Brixton at about 6.20pm on Wednesday.
The teenager made off on a bike but was chased down by detectives, a Met Police spokesman said.
During a struggle he attempted to discard a bag, police said, which was recovered and found to contain a loaded pistol.
The teenager was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition.
He remains in custody at a south London police station.
Detective Constable Catrin Edwards, the investigating officer, said: “Thanks to my colleagues from the Violent Crime Task Force following their instincts, a loaded firearm has been taken off the streets of London.
“Each bullet recovered could have gone on to cause serious harm, or even death.
“The Met remains committed in its fight against violence, removing offensive weapons from our streets, bearing down on those involved and bringing them to justice.”
