Trident officers involved in stopping vehicle

Part of the Uxbridge Road in Hanwell was sealed off by police earlier this afternoon in a 'pre-planned operation.'

Witnesses reported a heavy police presence and armed officers in the area near Hanwell Broadway.

Police say the operation was to stop a vehicle on the Uxbridge Road.

Viv Ellis was close to the scene when it happened and saw a man being taken away in a police van.

She says sniffer dogs were also being deployed on vehicles in the area.

Tonight (26th Sept) police have released further information.

A 23-year-old man was arrested around 1.30pm today and a firearm, believed to be an imitation, was recovered from the vehicle.

A short time later, a warrant was executed at an address in Southall. A 26-year-old man was arrested. A CS gas canister and a further firearm, also believed to be an imitation, were recovered from the address.

Police say the operation by Trident detectives, supported by officers from the SCO19 Firearms Unit, was pre-planned and intelligence led.

Both men remain in custody at a London police station.

September 25th 2013