Four men charged with attempted murder after gun battle with police in east London

Shots were fired at armed officers during a car chase from Leytonstone to Forest Gate

The suspects will appear at Thames Magistrates Court on Monday (PA)

Four men have been charged with attempted murder after shots were fired at armed police during a car chase in east London.

Nathaniel Lewis, 22, Darnell Joseph-Newill, 21, Troy Ifill, 21, and Lekan Akinsoji, 20, are also accused of possessing a shotgun, an axe and a zombie knife.

The "shoutout" took place on Thursday night after police were called to reports of suspects with a gun in Leytonstone.

Armed officers attended the scene in Lascelles Close and tried to intercept a BMW nearby.

Scotland Yard said "a number of shots were fired towards officers" during a pursuit and police returned fire.

No-one was hurt in the exchange and the chase ended more than a mile away in Bective Road, Forest Gate. One firearm was recovered from the vehicle.

On Saturday the Metropolitan Police said the four suspects from east London had each been charged with three counts of attempted murder, possession of a shotgun, possession of a shotgun with intent to endanger life and possession of an axe and a "zombie knife".

Mr Akinsoji, of no fixed address, and Mr Lewis, from Forest Gate, have also been charged with possession of a firearm following a suspended sentence.

Mr Ifill, from Stratford, is further charged with possession of a firearm when prohibited and another count of possession of a knife

All four are in custody and are due to appear at Thames Magistrates' Court in east London on Monday.

PA