'Sophisticated and large-scale' illegal gun factory uncovered in Hailsham warehouse

Three charged with firearms offences

A “sophisticated” illegal gun factory has been discovered on the edge of a market town in East Sussex, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has said.

Investigators found what they believed to be a “large-scale” operation in a warehouse advertised as a gearbox repair business on an industrial estate in Hailsham.

More than 30 firearms were found at the building, which was raided after ”loud bangs consistent with gunshots” were heard from outside, said Rob Hickinbottom, head of the NCA’s national firearms threat centre.

Officers arrested three men as they left the building and used a Taser to apprehend one of them.

Greg Akehurst, 29, of no fixed address, and Mark Kinman, 63, of Bramwell Mews, Hailsham, were both charged with possessing a firearm.

Kyle Wood, 30, of Gratwicke Drive, Littlehampton, was charged with the same offence as well as possessing ammunition.

The trio were remanded in custody and are due to appear at Kingston Crown Court on 17 September.

The site has been cordoned off while investigations continue.

The raid took place on 18 August, according to an NCA statement.

Sussex Police officers are also involved in the investigation, Mr Hickinbottom told reporters at a press conference.