Two people have been jailed and a lethal firearm removed from the streets of London after proactive work by Specialist Crime detectives.

Brandon Cole, 21 of Benenden Road, Rochester, and Sian Chambers, 22 of High Street, SE20, both appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, 21 July where they were sentenced after Cole had been found guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, while Chambers was found guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Cole was jailed for 12 years, and Chambers for six. Time served on remand will be taken into account.

After intelligence suggested firearm ammunition may be present at Chambers’ address, officers executed a warrant in January 2022.

A firearms recovery dog indicated to a wardrobe in Chambers’ bedroom, on top of which was a Gucci box. Inside officers found a firearm and ammunition.

The firearm was sent for specialist analysis; it was found to be a loaded, converted Retay handgun.

Chambers’ phone was seized and on inspection messages to Cole were identified, leading officers to arrest him.

They were both arrested, charged and remanded in custody.

Detective Inspector Lewis Sanderson, Specialist Crime, said: “Every illegal firearm removed from the streets of London means a life has potentially been saved somewhere along the line and another family potentially spared a devastating loss.

This work is so incredibly important and I am so pleased today that the sentences today reflect the gravity of these very serious offences.