Police seized a gun, drugs and made two arrests after following and stopping a car in Ilford. 

Officers on patrol on September 21 became suspicious of a parked car when an officer believed the occupants were smoking cannabis. 

Police said that at this point those in the car spotted the unmarked vehicle and drove off before coming to a stop in a car park in Trevor Roper Close.

Officers approached the vehicle and conducted a search of the two men inside, retrieving a quantity of cannabis from one passanger.

A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a further 17 bags of cannabis and a small black handgun in the glovebox.

The weapon was seized for specialist analysis, while both suspects were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.

One of the males was further arrested on suspicion of driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

Both occupants were taken into custody, with one being released on bail. The second suspect was also released on bail but was charged and remanded in custody for the driving offences.

Detective Superintendent Richard Vandenbergh said: “We know all too well that drugs are inextricably linked to violence in our communities.

“The work of my officers here is yet more proof that we are doing everything we can to tackle serious violence. I have no doubt that thanks to their tenacity and hard work that London is safer as a result. We are rightly very proud of them.”