POLICE officers have seized a firearm and drugs in Southall and arrested two men.

The officers were on patrol in Southall Park at around 8:30pm on Tuesday, June 15, when they spotted two men, both aged 23, sitting on a bench and acting suspiciously.

When the plain-clothed officers approached them, they ran off.

They were chased by the officers and detained near Uxbridge Road.

A search of the men found approximately 100 wraps of Class A drugs.

One of the men had a rucksack in which officers found a live firearm with ammunition.

Both men were subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

The man found with the firearm was further arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm.

Acting Inspector Jake Albon-Massey, of the West Area Violence Suppression Unit, said: "Officers across London are actively patrolling parks to ensure they are safe spaces for everyone to enjoy.

"This is a fantastic example of how officers used their judgement and powers to detain and search two men who could have presented a danger to the public.

"I would like to thank them for their work to bring them into custody.

"Parks across London are increasingly busy as COVID restrictions ease and sun seekers come out to enjoy the outside space.

"Plain-clothed and uniformed officers are regularly out in parks and will continue to crack down on drug dealing, violence and other offences.

"I'd encourage anyone who has concerns while visiting our parks to speak to officers."