WIREDGOV

Twenty firearms have been seized from a suspected gun factory following an intelligence-led operation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Four Glock pistols, nine shotguns, six long-barrelled firearms and a deactivated Bren machine gun were recovered from a house in Kingsclere, Newbury, Berkshire, when specialist NCA officers raided it on Tuesday morning.

Along with a range of gun component parts, officers also recovered 11 imitation firearms: an AK-47, an MP 40 submachine gun and nine revolvers.

Tests are ongoing to verify if one of the Glocks and one of the shotguns are viable.

Philip John Maylen, 57, of Penny’s Hatch, Kingsclere, was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, contrary to section 5(1) of the Firearms Act 1968. He is appearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court today.

Chris Hill, NCA Branch Commander, said: “This is a very significant haul. We’ve identified and prevented a large number of lethal weapons reaching the streets of the UK.

“These weapons had the potential to cause devastation within our communities.  

“There is no place in the UK for illegal firearms which often end up in the possession of organised criminals who use them to enforce their operations.

“Protecting the public from the threat of the criminal use of firearms remains a key priority and we work with partners at home and abroad to combat their importation into the UK.”