The raids involved eight business and home addresses.

The homes searched were in London and Hertfordshire and belonged to people who are directors of the firm Safe Deposit Centres Limited, Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner John Yates said.

Mr Yates said: "Each box will be treated as a crime scene in its own right."

Over 300 police officers and staff were involved in the intelligence-led operation run by Scotland Yard's Specialist Crime Directorate with armed support.

Detectives believe they will find evidence of links to crimes such as paedophilia, firearms, drug trafficking, fraud, human trafficking and prostitution.

Two people were arrested on suspicion of money laundering offences.