Detectives investigating the “gangland execution” of a Wembley man in Bournemouth last month have arrested a number of suspects in dawn raids in south London.

Several people were arrested after the raids on a number of homes in the early hours of yesterday morning in connection with the death of Reece James Menzies, after an operation led by Dorset Police and supported by the Metropolitan Police’s Operation Trident unit, dedicated to tackling black gun crime.

Forensic specialists made thorough searches of the houses after the arrests were made and inquiries are continuing.

The suspects are currently being questioned at police stations in the south of the capital before being transferred to Dorset, a Met spokesman said.

New father Reece, 21, was shot in the face at his flat at the junction of Roumelia Lane and Sea Road in the Boscombe area of the town after three intruders entered a flat at around 2.15am on Wednesday July 25.

On Monday, detectives issued an appeal for information about a silver Audi A3 captured on CCTV near the scene of the crime, and hours later the raids were carried out based on information given to police as a result of the request.

In the days after the murder, police described it as a “premeditated and targeted attack” and attempted to reassure residents in the area.

Reece’s mother, Michelle James, told the Harrow Times last week how her son was a “mummy’s boy” who could not be part of the Church Road Soldiers gang that operates in Harlesden.

She described him as a “loving son” who had welcomed his baby daughter Takayla into the world on May 12 with his girlfriend.

A 22-year-old man who was arrested over the incident has been released on bail pending further inquiries.