A MAN has been jailed after a stolen gun found hidden under a wheelie bin was linked to him via DNA.

William Cosier was linked to the Beretta 20 bore shotgun found in Lake Gardens, Dagenham, on April 1 2016.

The firearm was found concealed with ammunition under a wheelie bin by a member of the public.

The gun, which was one of two that had been stolen on December 26 2014 in Ashford, Kent, was linked to Cosier, 26, of Well Lane, Canterbury.

The owner, who possessed a firearms certificate, was attending an organised shoot and had parked his car in a field. He returned to find his car had been broken into and the guns were gone.

Following the DNA match, Cosier was arrested on September 1 2016 and when the evidence was put to him he refused to answer any questions. Cosier was subsequently charged.

He was found guilty on Wednesday February 8 of possession of a shotgun without a valid certificate and was sentenced to two years' imprisonment at Wood Green Crown Court.

Detective Sergeant Jim Barry of the Trident and Area Crime Command led the investigation. He said: "What William Cosier's exact role in how this firearm came to be stolen from a locked car in Kent and end up concealed under a wheelie bin in Dagenham has not been established.

"However, what is abundantly clear from DNA evidence is that Cosier came into contact with this firearm at some point in the interim period.

"While there is no evidence the shotgun was used in crime, it is clear by the fact that it was found concealed, and with ammunition, that the intent was there."

Cosier's conviction comes as the Met launched a week-long firearms surrender #giveupyourgun.

The campaign is running until 11pm on Sunday February 12.

Londoners have the opportunity to dispose of firearms, imitation weapons or ammunition, by handing them into a police station.