A Scorpion machine gun seized in west London
(Picture: Met Police)Two Scorpion machine guns and 40 rounds of ammunition have been seized from a teenager’s rucksack after a raid by armed police near Chiswick Park station.
The 19-year-old was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition in the early hours of Tuesday. He has been taken to a west London police station for questioning.
Officers from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command and Specialist Firearms Command carried out the search and arrest.
The Czech-made military grade Scorpion machine guns are capable of firing 850 rounds a minute. They also have an accurate firing range of up to 150 metres.
Police say they will be “relentless” in their targeting of armed and dangerous criminals as the capital moves nearer the end of lockdown.
Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Turner said: “The machine guns and ammunition seized could have undoubtedly led to the loss of life had they not been recovered in this operation.
“Tackling violent crime remains our absolute priority and operations like this are crucial in removing lethal weapons from the streets and restricting the ability of those intent on causing violence.
“This is one of our main focuses as we approach coming out of lockdown and we will be relentless in our activity.
“Anyone who believes they can walk the streets of London with horrific weapons in their possession should think again. We will continue to make London a hostile place for gangs to operate in and carry firearms.”
