The Loyal Soldiers - one of the most violent gangs in the capital

Two teenage gang members were arrested during a series of raids today over a dangerous new weapon being used on London's streets.

The youths are allegedly members of The Loyal Soldiers - one of the most violent gangs in the capital, according to police.

About 100 officers raided two addresses in Leytonstone after receiving intelligence that two members of the gang, aged 16 and 17, had been in possession of a 'pen gun'.

Police say they are seeing more and more of these weapons, which fire potentially lethal nail-shaped pellets, on the streets. They are lightweight, come disguised as pens and can be bought online easily.

Operation Cinnamon was launched after police found a pen gun wrapped in a sock when a gang was dispersed in November.

After officers in riot gear forced their way into the 16-year-old's terraced house, his father told of his 'huge shock' and said he had no idea his son was involved with"

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