Police appealing for information on holdall stuffed with guns and drugs found in Ilford garden

The bag was found yesterday in a residential garden in Carriage Mews.

Police, who were called at 10am, said it contained two shotguns, ammunition and a quantity of drugs, believed to be cannabis.

A spokesman described the guns as “a single barrel shotgun with ornate engraved metal on the wooden handle and a double barrelled shotgun with ornate metal and a rubber grip over the handle”.

Officers believe the holdall was dumped between Sunday and Monday morning.

The evidence has been taken for forensic examination. No arrests have been made.

Resident Alex Wood, 46, said his neighbour made the surprise discovery in her garden.

He added: “She came out in the morning and saw the holdall under a bush.

“She called the police when she found the shotguns inside.

“It’s a bit of a shock on a Monday morning, it’s not something you expect.

“Nothing happens here, it’s just a quiet residential road.”

Mr Wood described the guns as three shot sawn-off shotguns.

He added: “It’s obviously kids.

“Genuine criminals wouldn’t bother with a shotgun, they use automatic weapons now.”

Unmodified weapons are legal in the UK with a licence but are strictly controlled.

The discovery comes four months after a man was stabbed to death on the forecourt of a nearby petrol station.

Five people are awaiting trial for the murder of Thomas Cudjoe, 29, on November 3, at the Shell station in Ley Street.

Police are still searching for the men who shot a 28-year-old man as he travelled in a car in Aldborough Road South, Seven Kings.

The victim was in hospital for four months after the attack with serious injuries but has been discharged.

Anyone with information on the holdall should call Det Con Alison Sheppard on 020 8345 2722 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.