Three imitation firearms, a cannabis factory and a massive haul of suspected stolen power tools were uncovered after a routine police stop-and-search.

Police on anti-burglary patrol stopped three men acting suspiciously standing next to two vans - a Citroen and Volvo - near the A217 Reigate Avenue in Hunston Road, Sutton , at 4am this morning (Wednesday, January 4).

A search of the Citreon found a number of power tools, and the imitation firearms tucked behind the driver’s seat.

Three men aged 23, 25 and 44 were arrested on the spot for allegedly going equipped to steal, handling stolen goods and possession of imitation firearms.

They were taken to Sutton Police station for questioning.

The investigation led officers to carry out a search at an address in Wallington a few hours later.

They found more power tools and a cannabis factory.

Both the vans were recovered for forensic examination.

The power tools and firearms were seized as evidence.

Detective Sergeant Julia Balfour, of Sutton CID, said the find was a good example of police using their powers to stop, question and search individuals when they have grounds to do so.

“This is all about police using their powers to detect crime and without these powers we would not have been able to recover what we believe may be a huge number of stolen power tools - and three imitation firearms.”

The officers on patrol were supporting Safer Neighbourhoods officers with another night of patrols to combat night-time residential and shed burglaries.