Police target gangsters to stop club shootings

Firearms officers are mounting roadblocks to intercept gunmen travelling to clubs and others will visit premises to ensure door staff are searching clubbers for weapons.

Last weekend an undercover policeman was injured in the hand when his car was struck by a volley of bullets during a covert operation in New Cross. A 19-year-old has appeared in court charged with attempted murder.

Officers from the Met's Operation Trident, which tackles gun crime in the black community, are leading the crackdown, codenamed Operation Argon.

Police armed with Heckler & Koch carbines and automatic pistols are operating roadblocks and intelligenceled vehicle checks. The units are using automatic numberplate-reading equipment to identify cars used by suspects.

Other specialist units involved include the territorial support group, traffic police and dog handlers.

Detectives have also been working with clubs and DJs to make sure they have appropriate security on the doors.

Teams of specialist officers are being taken to clubs where there is intelligence of possible gun crime to provide rapid assistance and expert advice to clubmanagers. But they are also able to use their powers to shut venues if there is a threat to the public.

Shootings in or outside clubs in London are now almost a weekly occurrence because of gangs smuggling guns inside.

Last July, doorman and former heavyweight boxer James Oyebola, 47, was shot dead after he confronted three men for smoking inside the Chateau 6 club in Fulham Road.

Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Ball, head of Operation Trident, said: "We have been working closely with London's clubs and DJs to ensure nightclubs have appropriate security for the extended party season.

"If the public are not being searched at the door, the club could be leaving itself vulnerable and allowing weapons into the premises. In past years, we have seen innocent people caught in the crossfire in nightclubs.

"We want partygoers to ensure they are picking the right venues, with the right security to keep them safe."

Meanwhile, detectives today issued a fresh appeal for information in the hunt for two men suspected of shooting a teenager in the face on Christmas Eve. Despite suffering serious injuries in the attack, in Wandsworth, the 17-year-old is expected to survive. No arrests have yet been made.

The shooting marked the end of a year that saw 26 teenagers murdered on London's streets.

The victim, who has not been named, had been sitting in a car parked near a Homebase store in Gartons Way when he was attacked. Two black men, both wearing hooded tops, were seen running from the scene.

Anyone with information should call Operation Trident 020 8733 4774 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.