Six men have been arrested on suspicion of drug offences after a police raid at a popular market.

Police conducted eight simultaneous searches of businesses in Ridley Road Market in Dalston at around 4pm on July 21.

Officers arrested six men on suspicion of possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply and seized a large amount of cannabis.

Five of the six were also arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place after several knives were seized.

A further three people were reprimanded for drug offences but not taken into custody.  

All of those arrested have been bailed pending further investigation.

Hackney Police said that since the raid, Ridley Road has seen an increase in neighbourhood officer patrols.

In a statement on Twitter, they claimed that they acted in response to “genuine community concerns”.

They added that Ridley Road has a “vibrant marketplace in the heart of Hackney” and that it is important that both traders and visitors feel safe in the area.

Hackney Safer Neighbourhoods lead, Superintendent Vincent Peters, said: “This was a proactive operation to target drugs supply in the Dalston area.

“Residents have been expressing growing concern at the level of drug supply and we are determined that our policing activity is focused on those areas which concern out communities the most.

“The operation was rooted in our neighbourhood approach to policing, led by and using out local community-based officers.

“Those same local officers have been back out in the area since, undertaking follow-up reassurance patrols in the area since the operation.

“This operation did not involve any other agencies and was focused on combatting organised drugs supply in the area around Ridley Road Market, ensuring the area remains safe for residents, traders and visitors alike.”

The six men arrested were aged 39, 43, 45, 52, 58 and 63.