A security company boss who hid a gun, ammunition and a can of CS gas in his office and a nearby caravan has been jailed for five years.

Alex Allen, 49, who ran 24/7 Security based in Gladstone Road, Kingston, appeared at Kingston Crown Court last week.

He pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited firearm, a prohibited weapon and ammunition without a firearms certificate.

Andrew Baxter, prosecuting, said: “While police were executing a warrant on Allen’s business premises and a nearby caravan, a number of illegal items were found, namely an imitation pistol that had been converted to be used as a real handgun, a CS canister and ammunition.

“The strength of the case against him and the overwhelming evidence led Allen to plead guilty.”

According to the company’s website, 24/7 Security provides services including experienced door staff and close protection officers.

The new managing director, who declined to give his name, said Allen was asked to leave the company after he was arrested.

He said: “It had nothing to do with the company. If the company had known about it they would not have allowed it. We just want to write the thing off.”