Late-Night Gunman Caught By Police Eye In The Sky

A late-night prowler, caught by a police helicopter throwing away his loaded gun, which was fitted with a silencer, has been locked-up for fourteen years.

Mohammed Alasow, 24, of Mount Pleasant Lane, Redbridge was tracked using heat source technology and filmed by the helicopter.

The alarm was raised after he was spotted climbing a garden fence in St. Thomas' Garden, Redbridge just after midnight on October 21, last year.

The police helicopter tracked his movements and guided officers on the ground to his location and he was arrested.

When police from the Air Support Unit reviewed the footage they noticed Alasow had discarded an object.

Officers searched the area and the gun, containing five bullets was found, and DNA evidence linked it to the defendant.

He was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court of possession of a firearm with intent, plus possession of ammunition and the silencer.

Detective Constable Mark Ellis of the Trident and Area Crime Command, said: "Thanks to the quick thinking of the member of the public who spotted Alasow acting suspiciously, this dangerous man is now behind bars for a significant period of time.

"This was an example of excellent teamwork by officers in the police helicopter, local officers on the ground and Trident detectives who investigated the incident.

“The conviction of Mohamed Alasow demonstrates our continued commitment to targeting dangerous criminals who carry firearms."