Two men were hunted down and arrested by police air and ground units after members of the public reported seeing men with guns.

Officers were called to a wooded area near Larkshall Crescent in Chingford at around 4.45pm on Sunday.

A police helicopter was deployed to assist in the search Armed officers surrounded the field after the helicopter tracked them down.

Two men were arrested and two firearms were recovered.

A 33-year-old man and a 46-year-old man were taken to a police station.

They were later cautioned for being in possession of an air rifle in a public place.

Both air rifles were destroyed by police.

The law makes no distinction between air rifles and more powerful guns for which you need a licence – they are all classed as firearms.

However, over 18s in the UK may use an air rifle where you have permission to shoot legally.