A weapons factory used to convert blank-firing guns into lethal firearms has been discovered in a raid.

National Crime Agency (NCA) investigators searched an industrial unit in Merton, south London, and found an array of tools and machinery, including parts used in the manufacture of weapons and ammo and blank firers ready to be converted.

Along with several 3D printing machines suspected of being used to make gun components, more than a hundred rounds of live ammunition, around a thousand rounds of blank firing ammunition ready to be converted, and three potentially functioning converted weapons were also recovered, according to the NCA.

The army bomb squad were called in at one point to ensure the safety of the location after a quantity of suspected explosive powder was found.

Officers from the agency’s armed operations unit had earlier recovered in a car what was believed to be a functioning converted weapon and magazines filled with 9mm ammunition.

The seized weapons are now being assessed and analysed by forensic experts.

After being questioned by the NCA, Girdlestone was charged with offences under the Firearms Act. He is expected to appear before Croydon magistrates today (Saturday 20th May).

Cost of living: This mum used to travel the world for work – now she even needs to get soap from a foodbank

Headteachers warn ‘bewildered’ schools need more help to cope with rapid advances in AI

We’ve been doing our best to save the honeybees – but now there’s a sting in the tail

Debbie Palmer-Lawrence of the NCA said: “This was a significant operation which uncovered a suspected firearms conversion factory being used to convert blank-firing weapons into lethal guns.

“We know that these types of weapons are in demand by criminals. They are often used in acts of serious violence, as well as being used by crime groups to coerce and intimidate.

“This is why stopping them reaching the streets is a priority for the NCA.”

Evan Girdlestone, 47, from Colliers Wood, will appear before magistrates Croydon on Monday in connection with the incident, charged with offences under the Firearms Act.

Related posts:

Government adviser became Greensill director months after taking Whitehall role PM warns Britons not to travel to amber list countries on holiday ‘One of the funniest men I ever knew’: Comedy stars lead tributes to Sean Lock UK records 32,651 new COVID cases and 178 further deaths – with 8,068 patients in hospital Driver jailed for two crashes which left one man dead and another paralysed Claims of bullying on The Apprentice are ‘unsubstantiated’, according to spokesperson NHS boss’s husband drove her to A&E with suspected stroke amid concern over ambulance delays Five-year-old boy was excluded 17 times: Report calls for primary school exclusions to be banned ‘My dear mother-in-law’: Camilla’s warm tribute in first speech as Queen Consort Warning of knock-on effect after health workers’ strikes – plus the walkouts planned today Man hit with horseshoe in loud music row died of rare brain injury Security driver who handcuffed himself to steering wheel during fake heist is jailed