Hertfordshire Constabulary has worked with numerous other police forces to crack down on violent crime.

More than 40 arrests have been made and 10 weapons seized in an operation targeting London and the counties that surround the capital. s

The Metropolitan Polce devised the targeted operation to intercept criminals bringing weapons and drugs onto the streets.

Working with Hertfordshire Constabulary and other forces, the Met set up Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras on roads in and out of London.

ANPR cameras are linked to computers that read images, recording vehicles' registration numbers.

Police were on the lookout for vehicles linked to county lines, gangs and weapons travelling into areas affected by street violence.

Coordinated by the Violent Crime Task Force, other teams including the Roads and Transport Policing Command, Taskforce and the Dog Support Unit supported the effort over three days – Tuesday, August 3 to Thursday, August 5.

The Met teamed up with county forces including Hertfordshire, Surrey, Thames Valley, Kent, City of London and Essex Police, to work together to stop criminals using the road networks in and around the capital.

Acting Inspector Adam Cook, of the Violent Crime Task Force, co-ordinated the operation in London.

He said: "Now we’ve come out of lockdown it is our absolute top priority to reduce violence and keep our communities safe over the summer period.

"Many of those arrested are dangerous individuals who exploit vulnerable people down a path of violence.

"Safeguarding is at the forefront of our minds and diversionary help and support was offered to every individual who was arrested.

"We know drugs are inextricably linked to street violence and at the heart of our policing plan this summer we are directly bearing down on what matters most to Londoners."

If you have any information about violent crime, contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.