Police Nab 30 Shotgun Cartridges Hidden in Battersea Stairwell
London cops scored a major early win in their firearms crackdown after uncovering 30 shotgun cartridges stuffed in a stairwell ceiling on the Surrey Lane Estate, Battersea.
The Met’s Specialist Crime Command – the Operation Viper Team – found the ammunition during weapons sweeps on Monday, 26 July, the very first day of stepped-up action against gun crime in the capital.
Ammo Stashed in Ceiling Tile
As officers patrolled the estate in SW11, a loose ceiling tile caught their eye. Peering closer, they discovered a carrier bag packed with shotgun shells hidden away out of sight.
The haul was swiftly secured and now detectives are hunting who tried to stash the deadly ammo there.
Detective Inspector Vows to Track Down Gun Users
“Within hours of the Met upscaling its focus on firearms, we’ve recovered 30 shotgun cartridges someone clearly wanted hidden,” said Detective Inspector Richard Mullan, who leads Operation Viper.
“There’s no logical reason for these bullets to be shoved into a communal ceiling. This is a fantastic start, but we’re not stopping here. We’re working hard to find the culprit and see if they have a shotgun.”
Public Urged to Help Police Stop Gun Crime
The Met encourages anyone with info about illegal guns or ammunition to speak up. You can report suspected firearm discharges or weapon storage anonymously:
- Call 999 in an emergency
- Tweet @MetCC
- Visit the Met Police website
- Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or fill in their online form – calls and tips are 100% anonymous with no caller ID or trace
“It could save a life,” officials stress. Londoners are urged to be vigilant as Operation Viper ramps up to tackle the capital’s firearm threat.
