Assault rifle found in south London street

Police were called to a south London street when council workers found an assault rifle hidden in some overgrown bushes. The AK-74 was taken away for testing.

Police said the weapon had been decommissioned and was incapable of firing, but could have been used to intimidate. Acting Det Supt Nicola Duffy, of Southwark Police, said: “Firearms – whether decommissioned or not – have the potential to cause fear and harm and I am glad this weapon is off the streets.”

Police said the weapon was not linked to terrorism.