Police officers were seen surrounding a van on a residential road in Edgware, using a crowbar in an attempt to force their way inside.
A significant number of officers were seen around the vehicle on The Drive on Monday afternoon, taking photographs before attempting to access it.
A witness told of watching officers take a “crowbar to the back and side” of the van in an attempt to gain entry. Video of the incident captured the moment one officer appeared to bend part of the van, with damage to the rear also visible.
The unusual scene drew the attention of passers-by, some of whom stopped to watch the police operation unfold on the quiet suburban street.
The reason for the attempt to gain access to the vehicle remains unknown, and the Metropolitan Police has been contacted for comment.
Police do have powers to force entry into vehicles in certain circumstances — for example, where they believe evidence of an offence is inside, or where there are concerns about the safety of someone in the vehicle. Officers must be able to justify the use of such powers, which is why operations like this are often photographed and recorded.
Residents in the area said the heavy police presence was a surprise on an otherwise ordinary Monday afternoon.
The incident comes amid a busy period for the Met across the capital. Officers were also called to reports of violence in Carshalton, where two people were arrested, while a live incident unfolded near High Holborn earlier today.
London Streets will update this story as more information becomes available.
