A man has been charged with a firearm offence after someone was allegedly seen carrying a gun near a Tesco store in Hornchurch.

Police had been called at 1.35pm on Tuesday (October 31) to reports of a person in possession of a firearm in Airfield Way.

Social media users claimed seeing police in the vicinity of the Tesco store.

One woman said: “When I came out there was police and tape everywhere."

Two men have since been charged.

Toby Rowland, 19, of Crystal Avenue in Hornchurch, was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence, affray, and possession with intent to supply class B drugs.

Leuis Rowland, 23, also of Crystal Avenue, was charged with affray and possession to supply class B drugs.

RELATED NEWS: Man 'seen with gun' near Tesco in Airfield Way, Hornchurch

They appeared in custody at Barkingside Magistrates' Court yesterday (November 2) and were remanded.

A third man who was arrested has been released under investigation, police said.