A police exercise hoping to crack down on prostitution on Ilford Lane is already showing promising results after just two weeks.

Since operations began on July 10, 25 cautions have been given and 31 stop and searches carried out.

Officers have also made 20 arrests for offences including assault, drink driving, and drug dealing.

In a bid to try and clear up the area, 50 dispersal notices have also been issued, ordering people to leave.

On Friday, police officers held a public meeting to discuss the problem, with a number of local politicians including Ilford South MP Mike Gapes.

Held in the street to enable everyone to have their say, it was the second such meeting in as many months.

Sgt Matt Taylor of the Clementswood, Loxford and Mayfield neighbourhood policing team said: “This has been a concerted effort from officers across the East Area to address the issue.

“We will continue address crime in the area and tackle prostitution with a strong visible presence.”