Six knives and an axe were found by police in a targeted search of a park in Richmond.

South Richmond Police posted the above photo on Monday, July 13.

Its officers "conducted a target led weapons sweep of Old Deer Park and seized the following items".

Responding to questions from the public via the @MPSSthRichmond Twitter account, the force said the axe and knives were "discarded/ hidden under a bush", rather than found directly on someone's person.

RichmondGoodNeighbours posted: "I think as a resident and regular dog walker at ODP I'd like a bit more information about this raid and risk to the public."

The police replied: "This wasn't a raid.

"This was us walking along, conducting a search for discarded weapons.

"It is a strategy we are using to reduce violence and ASB (anti-social behaviour) within Richmond town centre."

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Teddington Millennials wrote: "The five in the middle are from the same set. Are we sure they're weapons? Not just left at a family picnic."

Police answered: "The five silver knives were found wrapped up in a carrier bag, hidden under a bush alongside Needles and Class A drug paraphenalia."