Two men have been jailed after they filmed themselves making threats to kill while holding firearms.

Sonny Treffers, 26, of Meteor Road, Westcliff, and Karl Gardner, 27, of no fixed address have been jailed for a total of nine years and four months for possession of an imitation firearm with intent and making a threat to kill.

They were sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday December 6.

Treffers received a sentence of four years while Gardner was jailed for five years and four months.

Gardner also admitted to possession of cannabis.

The men were jailed as a result of making threats to a man outside his home in London Road, Leigh.

At around 5.30am on Sunday August 27, Treffers and Gardner made the threats to the man which later escalated.

An hour after the incident, Treffers and Gardner filmed themselves in possession of firearms and bullets as they made threats to kill the man.

Following the video, Treffers was arrested later that day.

Gardner was arrested two days later in Wymondham, Norfolk.

Investigating officer Katie Londesborough, of Southend CID, said: “Gardner and Treffers made serious threats while armed with weapons and bullets and this was all recorded on video. 

“Our team then worked hard to quickly locate both suspects, one of whom went into hiding in a quiet village in Norfolk.

"They were charged, investigated and brought before a court.

“I hope these sentences offers some justice and I believe two dangerous individuals have been removed off our streets and locked in prison cells.”