Five men arrested after armed police stopped two cars in New Addington and discovered a sawn-off shot gun have been given a trial date.

The men appeared at Croydon Crown Court on December 23 following a magistrates hearing on December 12.

They are charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life.

On December 10 armed officers stopped a Ford Focus and a BMW in Westcott Close, New Addington where they found the weapon and ammunition.

The five charged are Edward Ephraim, 30, of Lennard Road, Croydon; Aaron Leacock, 26, of Starling Close, Croydon; Tyrone McNeish, 29, of Guinness Trust, Kennington; Jason Pindi, 28, of Hardham House, Tulse Hill; and Patrick Otim, 25, of Cudham Drive, New Addington.

The defendants will attend a plea and case management hearing on March 27. A trial date has been set for June 2 and is expected to last four weeks.