View from National Police Air Service helicopter as 8 men charged with plotting Hatton Garden jewellery raid go to court. Image: @NPAS London

Eight men nicknamed ‘Dad’s Army’ alleged Hatton Garden burglars have been escorted under heightened security to their first court appearance this morning.

They’ve appeared at Westminster Magistrates accused of conspiring to burgle the Hatton Garden Safety Deposit Centre over the Easter weekend.

The tabloid media references to ‘Dad’s Army’  and ‘Wheezer’ burglars is based on the fact that the accused men are aged between 50 and 76.

Eight men remanded in custody over Hatton Garden jewellery raid: bit.ly/1FzqUnZ by @Nina_Massey http://t.co/qKlm4pwlsB

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Press Association (@pressassoc) May 21, 2015

The hearing lasted 5 minutes.

Court heard that in excess of 10 million pounds worth of property was stolen in the raid.

Large quantities of jewellery have been recovered.

The men will be appearing again at Southwark Crown Court on 4th June.

They’ve all been remanded in custody.

#Breaking Eight men remanded in custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court today charged in connection with the Hatton Garden jewellery raid

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Press Association (@pressassoc) May 21, 2015

Eight men are remanded in custody over Hatton Garden jewellery raid: yhoo.it/1IMPHYd by @Nina_Massey http://t.co/VPbgFHPi4S

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Press Association (@pressassoc) May 21, 2015

Meanwhile:

#Breaking 42-year-old British man arrested in Essex today on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle following the Hatton Garden jewellery raid

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Press Association (@pressassoc) May 21, 2015

The National Police Air Service for London has been providing security cover from the air for the convoy of prison vehicles.

Armed police officers have also been attending the operation.