THE role of a police dog in sniffing out an illegal firearm hidden in a South London park was highlighted at Kingston Crown Court yesterday afternoon which saw two men jailed for eight years.

Police dog Chase was the hero of the hour after officers, acting on intelligence, were carrying out an operation on Friday, 6 August last year in south London. They saw Umar Pervez, 23, carrying a holdall on Mitcham Common. He was subsequently stopped but was no longer in possession of the bag.

A search of the area was carried out, with support from officers from Met Taskforce and the National Police Air Service.

The holdall was sniffed out by Police Dog Chase and was found to contain an assault rifle, magazine and ammunition.

Police Dog Chase was the hero of the hour (Image: Met Police)

The firearm was recovered and secured, while Pervez was arrested and taken into custody.

Further enquires found he had been in contact with Truong-Clarke in the days leading up to the firearm being found, and that Truong-Clarke had made enquiries about how much he could sell the firearm for.

The recovered firearm (Image: Met Police)

Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Masterson, from the Met's Specialist Crime Command, said: "I have no doubt that this weapon would have been used to kill or seriously injure somebody on the streets of London and I am pleased that we have removed that risk.

"Tackling violent crime is a top priority for the Met and we remain committed to doing all we can to keep the public safe. We have made significant progress in the area, with a 28 per cent drop in lethal barrel discharges compared with this time two years ago.

"The outcome of this investigation is testimony to the tireless work that detectives have put in to bringing these two men to justice. We will stop at nothing to dismantle organised crime groups and the supply of firearms and ammunition in London."

Both men were also found guilty at Kingston Crown Court in May this year of conspiracy to transfer a firearm, conspiracy to possess a prohibited firearm and conspiracy to possess ammunition.

Truong-Clarke was also found guilty of possession with intent to supply cannabis.