A knife was found and suspects fled via the roof as police raided a cafe closed down after a haul of suspected stolen phones was found inside.

Novo Sabor in Station Road, Harlesden, was issued a closure order on March 15 after a police raid the previous day revealed 40 phones - most of which are believed to be stolen - hidden in an oven.

A Rolex watch worth an estimated £10,000 was also recovered and six people were arrested.

A full closure order was issued at Willesden Magistrates’ Court, meaning only authorised people are allowed inside the premises.

The cafe must remain closed until June 15, but the Metropolitan Police suspects criminals have again been gathering at the site.

This Is Local London: The stolen phones retrieved after a raid in Harlesden The stolen phones retrieved after a raid in Harlesden (Image: MPSHarlesden)

There were reports of unauthorised people inside the café, though no date was given.

Police say that when officers tried to force entry, those inside fled to a rooftop.

Several discarded items, including a knife, were seized, Scotland Yard said.

This Is Local London: A sharp object was seizedA sharp object was seized (Image: MPSHarlesden)

Enquiries into the people inside are ongoing.

After the first raid, five people were arrested for offences including handling stolen goods, drug possession, breach of bail. A male wanted on suspicion of theft was also arrested.

Inspector Andy Le Geyt, from Harlesden Town Centre Team, said at the time: “This café was attracting anti-social behaviour and criminality to Harlesden town centre, causing misery to the local community.

"I am pleased we were able to work together with internal and external partners to disrupt this activity, arrest offenders, as well as using powers to close the premises for three months."