Pistols used in attempted murders were made on industrial estate, court hears

The National Crime Agency raided a property in Hailsham last August, where they found “a factory that was manufacturing self-loading pistols that could be sold into the hands of the criminal underworld”.

In the factory, officers found an original Browning 1922 pistol they believe was being used as a template to build replica weapons, alongside parts for another 121 guns, Kingston Crown Court in west London heard.

Investigators believe these weapons made their way into criminal hands and “untraceable” guns or ammunition from the factory were found at eight crime scenes.

Matthew Farmer, prosecuting, told the court: “There is no doubt these guns found their way on to the street and are being used.

“On two occasions these pistols were used in attempted murder where people were shot.”

After a shooting in Wandsworth, London, in September last year, a bullet manufactured at the Hailsham site was found lodged in a victim’s chest, Mr Farmer told the court.

The pistol was not recovered, but following a shooting in Brixton in October, a forensic scientist linked the weapons used at both incidents.

Ammunition or weapons were also found in Croydon, Kingston-upon-Thames, Basingstoke, Finsbury Park, and Kilburn, north London.

Kyle Wood, 29, is on trial accused of conspiracy to sell or transfer prohibited weapons, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Wood, of Littlehampton, pleaded guilty in October to possession of a pistol and 24 rounds of ammunition, as the jury heard he was “caught red-handed with a Browning 1922 pistol” at the time of his arrest.

Two men have already pleaded guilty to their part in the conspiracy, the jury was told.

Mark Kinman, who pleaded guilty to the manufacture of the guns, died last year, and Greg Akehurst, of no fixed address, has pleaded guilty to possession of a loaded firearm and ammunition, and conspiracy to sell or supply prohibited weapons.

The trial continues.