A 35-year-old man has been charged with two counts of firearms offences today.

Essex Police conducted an investigation in August 2018 following following concerns around the Full Metal Jacket range, near to Honey Lane, Waltham Abbey.

Daniel Hammond, of Seaton Road, Hemel Hempstead, was charged with two counts of possession of a firearm without a certificate.

This relates to three 0.22 calibre semi-automatic rifles alleged to be in his possession between December 2017 and March 2018.

Eight long rifles were also alleged to be in Hammond’s possession between March 2017 and August 2018.

Hammond has also been charged with one count of acquisition of ammunition without a firearms certificate, which relates to 47,000 rounds of 0.22 calibre ammunition between March 2017 and August 2018.

He faces one count of fraud by false representation, which relates to allegations he dishonestly made that he was exempt from a requirement to hold a firearm certificate.

It is believed Hammond intended to make a gain in acquiring four 0.22 calibre semi-automatic rifles in February 2018.

A hearing is due to be held at Wood Green Crown Court on Thursday, July 25.