FIVE PEOPLE were arrested and weapons recovered in an early morning police raid.

Officers targeted Hermitage Estate, Wanstead, on Wednesday, November 8, in Operation California and arrested the suspects in connection with drug and violent crime-related offences.

Two knives and a punch knife were seized by police in a weapons sweep was conducted of grounds behind Rivenhall Gardens and Bradwell Close.

Four suspects were charged with criminal offences and the fifth was released under investigation.

Three of the four appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court where they were remanded in custody to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court at a later date.

The fourth was bailed to appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ at a later date.