A trial date has been set for a man accused of using an imitation firearm to demand money.

Nicholas Georgiou, of Burnham Road in Chingford, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday charged with blackmail and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence.

The 35 year-old has pleaded not guilty to both offences and will now stand trial at Chelmsford Crown Court on June 30.

He is accused of visiting an address in Waltham Abbey on February 18 and using the weapon to threaten someone in an attempt to get money.

Georgiou was arrested by armed police in Brooker Road, Waltham Abbey, shortly before 4pm the same day after two police cars and one unmarked car had pulled over the grey van he was driving.