Five charged after guns and drugs seized in West Yorkshire-wide firearms bust

Suspected Class A drugs, firearms, ammunition and a knife were seized by officers after a series of operations on Monday.

Dramatic pictures show armed police point a gun at suspects after they stopped two cars in Wakefield and Castleford.

A pistol and ammunition was found in a Skoda stopped on Cannon Street, Castelford, and a knife found in a Golf stopped on Chantry Bridge, Wakefield.

A subsequent operation took place at a house on Bradford Road, Morley, where a handgun and ammunition were found.

Five people have now been charged with conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and conspiracy to possess ammunition.

Matthew Daw, 35, of Thornhill, Dewsbury, Luke Skinner, 23, of Batley, Jake Rigby, 20, of Gildersome, Aiden Saville Whitehead, 29, of Thornhill, Dewsbury and Sengen Trinn, 43, of Woodhouse, Leeds, were remanded in custody at Leeds Magistrates this morning.

They are all due to appear at Leeds Crown Court on June 18.

Speaking after the arrests, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Walker said: “Illegal firearms and drugs can cause considerable harm and concern in the communities of West Yorkshire and beyond - through Programme Precision we are working together with key partners to bring those responsible for serious and organised crime to justice.”

If you suspect crime in your community call police on 101 or give information online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat or anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

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