TWO men who fled from a 4x4 vehicle containing a pump-action sawn-off shotgun told police they knew nothing about the firearm, a jury heard yesterday.

Jordan Farooq, 24, of South View Terrace, Great Horton, Bradford, and Zulfiqar Ali, 33, of Padma Close, Listerhills, Bradford, both deny possession of the weapon with intent to endanger life on June 10.

Ali also denies possession of a 9mm handgun with intent to endanger life. Bradford Crown Court has heard the handgun was found in a conifer tree in the back garden at his home. Farooq has since admitted possession of the sawn-off shotgun and dangerous driving.

The men were arrested after running from the white 4x4 following a police pursuit.

Ali told the police he was only in the vehicle for a few minutes and had no knowledge of the black canvas holdall found in the footwell. Farooq said he was driving the 4x4 to ‘give it a blast’ for his cannabis dealer and panicked when he saw the police because it was not legally on the road. The jury heard the vehicle contained the firearm, bullets, cartridges, two balaclavas and gloves.

The trial continues.