THREE men have been jailed for 14 years for a string of “terrifying” robberies across east London.

The gang used knives, fake guns and noxious substances to carry out four late-night robberies at small off licenses in Redbridge and Havering between May 31 and June 7 this year.

Cristi-Valentin Tabacaru, 19, admitted conspiracy to rob and possession of an imitation firearm with intent, and was sentenced to four years and four months in a young offenders’ institution at the Old Bailey on Friday (July 15).

Alexandru Nalbariu, 20, also admitted the charges and was handed the same sentence, while Razvan Nalbariu, 24, was given six years in prison after admitting conspiracy to rob and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Together the trio managed to steal £5,000 in cash and goods over the eight-day robbing spree.

During each robbery Razvan Nalbnariu carried the pretend weapon, Tabacaru stole the goods and used violence to silence anyone who tried to intervene, while Alexandru Nalbariu kept a lookout, also using violence at times.

One of the gang’s victims has been so traumatised by the “violent ordeal” they have been unable to go back to work.

Speaking after the men were jailed on Friday, DC Lee Warrington from the Met Police’s Flying Squad said: "This group of men terrified their victims in an eight-day robbery spree.

“The imitation weapons they used looked real and the victims truly believed that their lives were in danger.

“I’m pleased these individuals and now behind bars where they can reflect on their actions for the foreseeable future."

After the third robbery, police managed to trace one of the gang’s car, eventually stopping it in Chelmsford on June 14.

All three men were then arrested and charged after DNA and CCTV evidence linked them to the crime scenes in Ilford and Romford.