POLICE and council officers have raided the home of murderer Stetson Matthew, now serving life for the killing of pensioner Doris Crystall.

His flat was an important base for the local drugs trade, they say.

Five people were arrested at the flat in Fred Wigg Tower, Montague Road, Leytonstone, when 40 police and housing officers raided the premises.

At 7am last Wednesday, police forced entry after gaining information that the property was being used for the supply of drugs.

In the hours following the raid, several other visitors to the premises were arrested. Shortly after 10am, a county court bailiff re-possessed the flat for the council.

Stetson Matthew, who was sentenced for murder last month, owed the council a considerable sum in rent arrears. The council had been engaged in legal action to repossess the property since before the murder trial.

Police Insp Richard Woolford said: "This is a good example of how the Police Community Tasking Unit and the local authority work in partnership to reduce anti-social behaviour and class A drug dealing.

"It has taken meticulous planning in partnership with police and housing officers to achieve a safe and significant blow against the drugs trade in Waltham Forest.

"By working together, we can help to deliver the promises made within the crime and disorder reduction strategy and thereby make Waltham Forest a safer place to live."

Cllr Roberto Bruni, cabinet member for housing, said: "I am very happy with this result. It is a good example of what can be achieved when we in the council work together with our colleagues in the police.

"This action sends out a strong message that drug dealing, intimidation and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated."