A gun was found in a car in Charlton after the attempted burglary of a shop during the early hours.

At 1.41am this morning (January 23) police were called to a group of people trying to break into a shop on Charlton Church Lane.

The group had already left the area before officers arrived on scene but had not successfully broken into the shop.

Soon later at 2.02am police stopped a car in Nadine Street and found a gun inside.

Four people were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and attempted burglary.

They were taken into custody where they remain.

Police have closed off Charlton Church Lane with a cordon while further enquiries are carried out.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "At 1.41am on Monday, 23 January police were called to Charlton Church Lane, SE7 following reports that a group were trying to break into a shop.

"The group had left prior to officers arriving and without successfully gaining entry.

"At 2.02am officers stopped a car in nearby Nadine Street."

"Inside the car they found a firearm.

"Four people were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and attempted burglary.

"They remain in custody.

"A cordon is in place in Charlton Church Lane while further enquiries are carried out."