Police were looking for shoplifters when they discovered the Uzi

Police in Putney found a firearm resembling an Uzi machine gun in a parked car after thieves were chased from Putney High Street.

They were called at 9:50am on Thursday, 4 September, to reports of a theft at a shop.

Two men fled the scene with a box containing CCTV equipment and they were chased by members of staff from the store.

The men attempted to get into a vehicle in Burstock Road. They were unable to gain access to the vehicle and left the scene on foot heading in the direction of Putney Bridge Road.

A search of the vehicle was carried out and a machine gun was found which will now be subject to a forensic examination. Officers also recovered the stolen item close by.

The first man is described as a black man aged in his late thirties, approximately 5ft 8ins tall, was wearing a grey tracksuit top and trousers, a red t-shirt, a black and red cap and white trainers.

The second man is described as a black man, approximately 6ft tall, wearing a khaki Jacket, and denim jeans or black trousers.

Detectives from Wandsworth CID are investigating.