Five youths were arrested following raids targeting robbery and burglary suspects this morning.

The males, all aged between 16 and 17 years, were arrested as police executed six simultaneous raids shortly after 6am, at five addresses in Croydon and an address in Barnes.

Forty officers from Croydon took part in the operation that was led by Croydon police and the boys were arrested in connection with a series of robbery and burglary offences at a newsagents in Penge Road, Croydon, that took place in July.

A quantity of cannabis and hydroponics equipment was found at the address in Barnes.

A 42-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis and officers from Richmond police are investigating. He remains in police custody at a west London police station.

The five males arrested on suspicion of robbery and burglary also remain in police custody at a south London police station.

Detective Inspector Brian Hobbs, who leads Croydon's Robbery and Burglary Squad said: "This morning's raids were part of our ongoing efforts to target individuals who are prolific robbers or burglars here in Croydon.

"We will keep on using all lawful means available to us to identify and arrest those we believe responsible for these crimes and put them before the courts."