Kingston Crown Court. Image: Google Street View.

Four men have been jailed for breaking into a flat in Tooting, robbing the occupant, and forcing him to jump out of his bedroom window.

They were found guilty at Kingston Crown Court on Friday 17th April.

The court heard how the 46-year-old victim was asleep in his bed at around 11:40 pm on 16th October last year when the four men, who all wore balaclavas, forced entry into the flat in Woodley Close, making verbal demands for money.

They ransacked the place in search for cash.

After 10 minutes the victim seized an opportunity to escape, jumped out of his bedroom window and called for help.

The intruders fled, jumping into a black BMW and driving off at speed.

Police officers were on duty in an unmarked police car in the area, stopped the BMW and arrested all the occupants.

A Tokarev pistol – was seized from within the vehicle.

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Detective Constable Ed Currie of Wandsworth CID said:

We commend the victim who, despite his horrendous ordeal, has found the courage to come forward and provide crucial evidence at court and stand up to their despicable actions. Fortunately, officers were close by to swoop in on the suspects and remove a live firearm from the streets. All of the evidence suggests that the motivation for this crime was purely for financial gain. They will now face a different consequence behind bars.