A gang carrying two loaded semi-automatic weapons in a car have been found guilty of firearms offences.
Abdul Noor, 23, of Crystal Way, Dagenham, and Jahvon Robinson, 22, of Manchester Road, Isle of Dogs, were among the five convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, March 4.
Charles Junior Frimpong, 23, of Pinner Park, Harrow; Riccardo Christophe, 29, of Albion Road, Hackney and Korey Lawrence, 25, of Bethune Road, Hackney were also found guilty.
Det Insp Glenn Butler said: "I have no doubt that the firearms recovered would have been used to cause serious or even fatal injuries in the hands of those convicted or others."
Armed police tried stopping a silver Vauxhall Astra in Ewhurst Close, Stepney Green, on February 11, 2019, at about 7.50pm.
As officers approached, the five leapt out of the car and made off, leaving the engine running.
One was spotted throwing a gun away as they fled.
Frimpong, Lawrence and Noor were caught, detained and arrested by officers at the scene.
Christophe, the driver, escaped but handed himself in to police a few hours later, admitting to the station officer he was driving.
Officers found the two semi-automatic weapons in a search of the abandoned car and surrounding area - one inside a rucksack on the front passenger seat and the one tossed away near the car.
The 8mm modified hand guns were loaded and one had the hammer cocked to fire. A balaclava and box containing plastic latex gloves were also recovered.
All four denied knowing anything about the guns during police interviews. They were all charged the next day.
Detectives made enquiries and identified Robinson as the fifth person in the car. He was arrested on April 23 last year and charged the next day.
Det Insp Butler said: "I would like to thank my team, supported by firearm officers, for their dedication and commitment in removing illegally held firearms from the streets of London. Both firearms were loaded and thankfully police action on the day prevented them from being discharged."
All five were found guilty of conspiracy to possess two firearms and conspiracy to possess ammunition on Wednesday, March 4 following a trial.
They will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, April 24.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here