Picture: Metropolitan Police

Two military Scorpion machine guns capable of firing 14 rounds a second have been seized from a teenager’s rucksack.

The 19-year-old was stopped by armed police at Chiswick Park tube station in London.

He was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Also having 40 rounds of ammunition.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Command and Specialist Firearms Command carried out the search and arrest.

The Czech-made Scorpion machine gun can fire 850 rounds a minute.

It is accurate up to 150 metres.

Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Turner said:

“The machine guns and ammunition seized could have undoubtedly led to the loss of life had they not been recovered in this operation.

“Tackling violent crime remains our absolute priority and operations like this are crucial in removing lethal weapons from the streets and restricting the ability of those intent on causing violence.

“This is one of our main focuses as we approach coming out of lockdown and we will be relentless in our activity.

“Anyone who believes they can walk the streets of London with horrific weapons in their possession should think again.

“We will continue to make London a hostile place for gangs to operate in and carry firearms.”