Met Police officers have uncovered a suspected handgun and a cannabis factory after raiding a flat in Welling.

Police raided the address on Upper Wickham Lane, Welling on Tuesday, August 11, executing an intelligence-led search warrant and uncovering around 30 cannabis plants inside.

A thorough search of the property was conducted, which led to the recovery of a suspected firearm, various drug paraphernalia and multiple sim cards in a burner phone box.

No arrests have yet been made, but Police Constable Wes Jones of Bexley Neighbourhood Tasking Team said officers continue to investigate.

“Thanks to the proactive work of the team, a suspected firearm has been removed from the streets of London, preventing its potential use in future violent criminality.

“We are carrying out enquiries to trace the gun’s history and anyone associated with it.

“We’ve also intercepted the supply of a large amount of Class B drugs from being dealt in the community.

The raid took place around 11am on Tuesday, with officers from the South East Basic Command Unit (BCU) executed an intelligence-led search warrant on an address on Upper Wickham Lane.

The flat was found vacant, but the cannabis factory was discovered inside one of the rooms, and a further search uncovered a number of other items, including the suspected handgun.

PC Jones added: “This is another clear example of the intrinsic link between drugs and violence. We will continue to work around the clock to disrupt the supply and cultivation of drugs within our communities while bearing down on the associated violence it brings.”