Armed police captured on video pointing assault rifles at two men holding their hands up

Standoff: armed policeman points weapon at passenger.

Police in Hackney have been captured on video pointing assault rifles at two young men as they sat in a car.

Mobile phone footage posted on Facebook shows two armed officers aiming their weapons at the vehicle’s occupants.

The Metropolitan Police said the vehicle was stopped as a result of “information” the force had received, and that three men, aged 25, 24 and 22 years old, were arrested for possession of drugs, money laundering offences and possession of an offensive weapon – a hammer.

The incident, which happened at around 2pm on Tuesday on Homerton’s Collent Street, follows just a few days after 20-year-old Rashan Charles died following a chase, prompting criticism by many local residents of excessive use of force by the police.

A spokesperson for Scotland Yard said: “Detectives in Hackney are investigating after three men were arrested for possession of drugs, money laundering offences and possession of an offensive weapon.

“The men were travelling in car that was stopped at 13:56hours on Tuesday, 25 July on Collent Street, E9

“As a result of information the vehicle was stopped by armed officers.

“When the car and occupants were searched a quantity of drugs, cash and a hammer were recovered.

“Three men aged 25, 24 and 22 were arrested as above.

“All three were taken to north London police station where they are currently detained. Enquires continue.”