A group of teens who terrorised a south east London neighbourhood by shooting fireworks at residents has been banned from the area.

Youths were filmed launching firecrackers at people, buses, businesses and apartments across Canada Water over the weekend.

Police identified an initial group, issuing a number of anti-social behaviour contracts after visiting homes with the Council.

On Sunday they were made aware of reports from a second group of teenagers causing issues in the same area.

A dispersal order has since been issued, giving officers the power to exclude named individuals from the area until October 27.

Inspector Tom Cornish said: “Misuse of fireworks can have damaging consequences, and we understand how disruptive and distressing these kind of incidents can be to local communities and businesses.

“They can be reassured that we will continue to make every effort to stamp out this kind of unacceptable behaviour.

“A policing plan is in place that will include a variety of extra resources, both covert and overt, being focused on problem locations. These will continue throughout the key period of Halloween up until and including Bonfire Night.

“In addition, a range of operational activity is planned over the following weeks to intensify existing efforts within the Met to prevent and bear down on violence in all its forms as part of the annual Autumn nights operation.

“We would urge anyone who has suffered injuries or criminal damage to their premises to come forward and contact us on 101.”