Four Dagenham men have been jailed for a total 46 years for an attempted shotgun murder and a string of other firearm-related crimes, according to police.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Victor ThomasVictor Thomas (Image: Archant)

The men, aged between 19 and 21, were sentenced at Basildon Crown Court yesterday following a joint operation carried out last year by local officers and the Met’s Trident East Gang Crime Command.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Toby AwoyemiToby Awoyemi (Image: Archant)

The court heard how Victor Thomas and Randy Toto shot a man in the head with a sawn off shotgun in Tollgate Road, Beckton, on January 4 2013.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Ayo RajiAyo Raji (Image: Archant)

The 27-year-old victim suffered no lasting injuries.

Following a police chase, Toto, Toby Awoyemi and Ayo Raji were found to be in possession of the used shotgun on January 19 2013, along with live cartridges.

Toto, 20, of Wood Lane, was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment for a string of offences including attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, dangerous driving and possession of an offensive weapon.

Thomas, 21, of Maxey Gardens, was sentenced to 14 years and three months behind bars for the attempted murder.

Awoyemi, 19, of MacDonald Avenue, faces nine years for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Raji, 21, of Clapham Road, Clapham, will spend five years in prison for possession of a firearm.

Supt Mike Hamer of Barking and Dagenham Police said: “These sentences are a culmination of a prolonged and thorough investigation into Barking and Dagenham gang crime that took place a year ago.

“This was a team effort between local police officers and the Operation Trident Gang Crime Command and I believe that it cannot be a coincidence that since the arrests of the suspects, gang related crime has significantly reduced within the borough.”