A wanted man and another thought to have a gun were the targets of a raid by armed police in Merton this afternoon.

The Metropolitan police helicopter was called to back up armed officers who sealed off the area outside the New Horizon Centre in South Lodge Avenue, Pollards Hill.

A Twitter account for the helicopter team said just after 4pm today they helped armed police officers to contain a premises where a wanted man was spotted.

A second man was thought to have a gun although no firearms were found there by police.

He was not arrested. 

A resident who lives nearby said it took place at the centre where he saw police securing the area this afternoon.

Staff at the centre said they saw what they called a stop and search exercise outside at about 4pm and all employees and volunteers were safe.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said officers were called to Pollards Hill at about 3.20pm after it was reported that a man wanted by police was in the area.

Armed response known as the Trojan unit were called after officers received further information stating another individual at the location might be in possession of a firearm.

A man has been arrested. No firearms have been recovered.

Did you see what happened? Send your photos to Becky at Becky.middleton@london.newsquest.co.uk.