Gun crime in Croydon has fallen by 23 per cent it was revealed last week in figures issued by the Metropolitan Police.

Hot on the heels from last week's revelation that Croydon is winning the war against crack-related crime, new figures have revealed that gun crime has also dropped in the borough.

The latest figures released by the Metropolitan Police have showed a significant reduction in gun hot spots all over the capital since last December thanks to a drive led by specialist units from the Serious Crime Group, Serious Organised Crime and Operation Trident.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Bill Griffiths, head of the Serious Crime Group, said: "Criminals should make no mistake although the organisation is playing a key role in securing the capital we are dedicated to protecting Londoners from their criminal activities.

"Our recent results should both sow the seeds of doubt in the minds of criminals and reassure the public of our commitment and ability to apprehend them.

"The Met also has two officers in new roles who can bring new ideas and determination to the fight against these violent criminals."

Croydon was one of 10 areas in London identified as gun crime hot spots. The borough's 23.1 per cent drop in joins other dramatic reductions, including 45.9 per

cent in neighbouring borough Lambeth.

Peter Howard, former police officer and vice chair of the borough's Community Police Consultative Committee, welcomed the drop and praised police for their work to stamp out gun and crack-related crime in Croydon.

He said: "We welcome this latest reduction and it follows on from last week's news that crack crime is also down.

"It may well be that because police have been tackling crack-houses it might have also reduced gun crime, as the two are often associated."