A STASH of sawn-off shotguns and other deadly firearms have been seized by police.

Eleven guns recovered from a house in Chopwell, near Gateshead, included sawn-off shotguns, pump-action shotguns, rifles and a Walther PPK semi-automatic pistol, the type used by movie secret agent James Bond.

As well as firearms, police also found 1,195 rounds for various firearms and shotgun ammunition, during last week's raid. Five people were arrested in connection with the raid and have been charged with firearms offences.

Four men have since appeared before Gateshead magistrates, one of whom was remanded in custody, while the remaining three were released on conditional bail.

A woman will appear before Gateshead magistrates today also charged with firearms offences.

Detective Inspector Steve Barron, of Gateshead West CID, said: "After receiving information CID searched a number of addresses in the Chopwell area. The operation has been a great success, because a number of very dangerous weapons have been found and taken out of circulation."