Handguns hidden in children’s underwear drawer among hundreds of firearms seized in London

Three handguns hidden in a children’s underwear drawer were among 386 illegal firearms seized in London last year.

The Metropolitan Police says its blitz has led to a record drop in gun crime, which is at its lowest level in 15 years.

Firearm offenses were reduced from 196 to 145 from March 2023, while shootings fell from 12 in 2021/22 to eight in 2023/24.

But despite the highest detection rate in 11 years – around 52 per cent of criminals responsible for shootings were prosecuted last year – the force is still failing to solve nearly half.

No arrests were made after a drive-by shooting in Dalstoneast London, last month left four people injured, including a nine-year-old girl, who remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Commander Paul Brogden said most shootings in the capital involve gangs, but “completely innocent victims” like her can “get caught in the crossfire”.

Tyrese Miller, 22, was shot dead in a case of mistaken identity on April 4 last year as he walked home after a night out with friends in Croydon, south London. Three men were later convicted in connection with the shooting.

“I worry that if this can happen to Tyrese, it can happen to anybody,” said his mother, Jackie Taylor.

“No mother should have to bury her son like I did. What happened to Tyrese changed us all. None of us will ever truly come to terms with what happened.”

Police say that while “it’s not as easy as ordering a pizza”, those involved in criminal networks can easily access firearms to control drug markets and territory or to enforce debts.

Some of the weapons are smuggled into the country by ferry or through the mail system, but gang members increasingly rely on converted blank-fire weapons.

They are sold for legitimate pursuits such as drama and farming for as little as £100, but sold for thousands of pounds once turned into real bullets.

A total of 386 illegal firearms were seized by the Met last year, with 46% of the guns converted from white-knuckled guns, while 3D printed guns are yet to make a real impact on London’s streets.

Police say the “open and fearless” possession of deadly weapons was demonstrated by Danny Butler, the 44-year-old gunsmith for a south London gang.

He was jailed for 18 years after officers found six guns, as well as a large quantity of ammunition and class A and B drugs, at the home he shared with his wife and three daughters, including an 18-year-old months.

Among the weapons discovered in the children’s underwear drawer were three handguns, one of which was loaded.

Another pistol and a sawed-off shotgun were found in his wardrobe, while a second sawed-off shotgun was discovered in the coat closet.

The Met says victims of gangland shootings are often reluctant to engage with the police, seeking to take their own punishment and that “today’s victim could be tomorrow’s suspect”.

“Guns destroy lives and communities. The recent shootings in parts of London are a sad reminder that we still have work to do when it comes to tackling illegal firearms,” ​​said Commander Brogden.

“Our progress should serve as a message to criminals and gang members who use firearms – we will come after you and bring you to justice.”