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.

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.

Meanwhile:

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.