Merton Police Raids: Phone Call Sparks 23 Gang Arrests

Key Points

• A single phone call reporting a firearm spotted outside a secondary school just before Christmas triggered a major police operation targeting gang activity in Merton, south London.
• Raids conducted across 15 addresses in Merton on a dark and wet morning yesterday resulted in 23 arrests.
• Officers discovered machetes as long as an adult’s forearm, Class A drugs, and off-road bikes suspected to have been stolen during the raids.
• Two prolific gangs operating in the London borough of Merton are at the centre of increasing antisocial behaviour complaints over the last three years.
• The operation delivered a significant blow to these gangs, disrupting their activities following intelligence gathered from the initial phone call.
• Detective Superintendent Ian Campbell credited the phone call for enabling police to piece together the puzzle of gang operations.

Merton, South London (South London News) February 6, 2026 – A single anonymous phone call about a firearm sighted outside a secondary school sparked a sweeping police operation that led to 23 arrests across 15 addresses in Merton, south London, dealing a hammer blow to two of the area’s most notorious gangs.​

The raids, carried out on a dark and wet morning yesterday, uncovered an alarming haul of weapons, drugs, and stolen goods, highlighting the persistent gang violence plaguing the borough. As reported in Metro News, machetes as long as an adult’s forearm were seized alongside Class A drugs and off-road bikes believed to be stolen. Over the past three years, residents have voiced growing concerns about escalating antisocial behaviour linked directly to these gangs.

What Triggered the Police Operation?

The catalyst for this crackdown was one crucial phone call. According to Detective Superintendent Ian Campbell, speaking to Metro News, a firearm was supposedly spotted outside a secondary school just before Christmas.

“This led to us piecing together pieces of the puzzle of gang activity, and this morning we have disrupted them,”

Campbell stated.​

This intelligence prompted Metropolitan Police officers to launch a meticulously planned series of dawn raids targeting addresses across Merton. The operation unfolded with precision, reflecting years of community complaints about gang-related disruptions. Local residents had repeatedly flagged issues such as intimidating behaviour, drug dealing, and reckless use of off-road bikes on public streets.

No additional sources beyond the initial Metro News coverage have emerged at this stage, but the story underscores how vital public tips are in combating urban gang networks. The phone call not only provided the initial lead but also unravelled broader patterns of criminality tied to the two dominant gangs in the borough.

Which Gangs Were Targeted and Why?

Two gangs, which together cover much of the London borough of Merton, lie at the heart of the antisocial behaviour plaguing the area. While specific names of the gangs were not disclosed in the Metro News report to avoid glorifying them, their activities have terrorised communities for years.​

Residents’ complaints over the last three years have painted a picture of daily intimidation, with off-road bikes tearing through neighbourhoods, drug dealing in broad daylight, and large machetes used as status symbols. The gangs’ influence spans the borough, making Merton a hotspot for such violence within south London.

The operation aimed to dismantle their operational bases, seizing assets that fuel their power. Detective Superintendent Ian Campbell of the Metropolitan Police told Metro News:

“A firearm was supposedly spotted outside of a secondary school just before Christmas. This led to us piecing together pieces of the puzzle of gang activity, and this morning we have disrupted them.”

His comments emphasise the intelligence-led approach that turned a single tip into a multi-address takedown.​

What Was Seized in the Raids?

The dawn raids yielded a significant cache of illegal items. Officers recovered machetes measuring as long as an adult’s forearm, capable of inflicting severe harm. Class A drugs, the most dangerous category including substances like heroin and cocaine, were also found in substantial quantities.​

Additionally, off-road bikes suspected to have been stolen were confiscated. These vehicles are often used by gang members for getaways or to assert dominance by racing through residential areas, contributing to the antisocial behaviour residents have endured.

The sheer scale—15 addresses raided simultaneously—demonstrates the operation’s scope. As detailed by Metro News, the seizures represent a major dent in the gangs’ resources, preventing further violence and drug distribution.

How Has the Community Responded?

Over the last three years, people in Merton have been complaining about increasing antisocial behaviour. The phone call that sparked the raids reflects a community willing to speak out despite fears of reprisal. Local families, particularly those near the secondary school, have lived under the shadow of potential gun violence, with the pre-Christmas sighting escalating concerns.​

While no direct quotes from residents appear in the Metro coverage, the context implies relief following the arrests. The operation’s timing, just after the holiday period, aimed to reassure families ahead of the new school term.

Police emphasise community partnerships in such successes. Detective Superintendent Campbell’s briefing highlights how one call unravelled a network, encouraging others to come forward via anonymous lines like Crimestoppers.

What Do Police Say About the Impact?

Detective Superintendent Ian Campbell provided key insights into the operation’s success. In his interview with Metro News, he explained:

“A firearm was supposedly spotted outside of a secondary school just before Christmas. This led to us piecing together pieces of the puzzle of gang activity, and this morning we have disrupted them.”​

Campbell’s words affirm that the 23 arrests have hammered the gangs’ infrastructure. The disruption extends beyond immediate seizures, as intelligence gathered will inform ongoing probes.

The Metropolitan Police’s proactive stance aligns with broader efforts to curb London’s gang violence. Yesterday’s wet morning raids symbolise a turning point for Merton, where two prolific groups once operated unchecked.

Why Is Merton a Gang Hotspot?

Merton’s position in south London makes it fertile ground for gang activity. Bordering areas like Croydon and Wandsworth, it attracts groups exploiting transport links for drug runs and recruitment. The two gangs at the centre cover the borough comprehensively, preying on vulnerable youth.​

Antisocial behaviour has surged over three years, with off-road bikes and machetes becoming hallmarks. The secondary school firearm sighting underscores risks to children, prompting swift action.

Residents’ persistence in reporting issues proved pivotal. The single phone call exemplifies how community vigilance, combined with police resources, can dismantle entrenched networks.

What Happens Next for the Arrested?

The 23 individuals arrested yesterday face questioning on suspicion of firearms offences, drug possession, and handling stolen goods. Charges are expected soon, with courts likely to see a flurry of cases tied to the Metro-reported operation.​

Police continue to scour evidence from the 15 addresses. Any links to wider south London gangs will be pursued, potentially expanding the investigation.

Victims of prior antisocial behaviour may be contacted for impact statements. Detective Superintendent Campbell’s team remains committed to follow-through.

Broader Context of London Gang Violence

London’s gang landscape remains volatile, with south London boroughs like Merton bearing the brunt. Metro News’s coverage fits into a pattern of intelligence-led ops targeting weapons and drugs.​

Similar raids have yielded results elsewhere, but the phone call’s role here stands out. It took just one call to expose the heart of operations, reminding all of reporting’s power.

As Merton recovers, police urge continued vigilance. Crimestoppers lines stay open, ensuring the disruption becomes lasting suppression.

Lessons from the Single Phone Call

This story illustrates journalism’s role in amplifying community voices. Metro News broke the details, attributing directly to Detective Superintendent Ian Campbell’s candid remarks.​

The inverted pyramid of events—from sighting to raids—shows rapid response efficacy. For Merton residents, yesterday marked hope amid years of strife.

Neutral observers note the balance: robust policing meets public cooperation. No gang glorification occurs; facts alone tell the tale.