A loaded pistol was found after a teenager tried to evade police on a bicycle in south London.

Officers patrolling Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, attempted to stop the 17-year-old at around 6.20pm on Wednesday, August 25, as he cycled towards them,

He made off but he was shortly caught and detained.

During the ensuing struggle he allegedly attempted to discard a bag, which was recovered and found to contain a loaded pistol.

The firearm was made safe and has been sent off for testing.

The teenager was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition.

He was taken to a south London police station where he remains in custody.

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.”

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