A man has been jailed for six years after being found in possession of a gun.

Israel Campbell was arrested at around 10am on Friday, September 30, after police officers identified a BMW 520D travelling through Hemel Hempstead with cloned plates.

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Police followed the vehicle, which eventually parked at Royal Court.

When officers blocked the vehicle in and approached the driver's side, the 35-year-old stepped out of the car and made off on foot.

As he was pursued - and attempted to make his escape towards St Albans Hill - another police unit arrived and helped detain the individual.

A bag containing a firearm, a balaclava and a pair of gloves was then discovered on Campbell's person.

At a hearing on November 30, the man from Broadway Apartments, Bedford, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and possessing ammunition without a firearm certificate.

He was sentenced to jail at Huntingdon Crown Court, on Thursday December 8.

DC Maisie Ashwood said: "I would like to express my gratitude to PC Flint, who acted swiftly and bravely to detain Campbell.

"I hope this sentence provides reassurance to the community in Hemel Hempstead.

"I would also like to remind our residents that Hertfordshire has a zero tolerance for gun crime and we will do everything we can to keep them off our streets.

"If you suspect anything suspicious, please contact 999.”