TWO men have appeared in court in Bradford on charges of possessing a firearm and ammunition.

Ali Khan, 28, of Haslingden Grove, Toller, Bradford, and Ikhlaq Hussain, 27, of Chesham Fold Road in Bury, were in the dock at Bradford & Keighley Magistrates' Court today.

Hussain also faces a charge of dangerous driving.

Prosecuting solicitor Richard Davies said the charges related to a police chase from Rawdon last Friday starting at about 8pm during which five police cars were significantly damaged.

Stinger devices were used and the Audi car was eventually stopped on Thornbury roundabout when it was rammed from the side, magistrates heard.

During the pursuit it is alleged a light-coloured towel had been thrown from the car containing a loaded Walther pistol.

More ammunition was also discovered in the Audi which had been driven from Accrington under police observation, Mr Davies told the court.

Men had been watched by police getting in and out of the car as it drove the streets of West Yorkshire.

Khan’s solicitor Jabran Hussain told the court his client had only been in the car one hour before it was stopped.

He had been playing snooker that night and was planning a game of football later.

Mr Hussain said his client denied being the driver of the car.

Mr Hussain applied for magistrates to grant his client bail so plans for him to marry next week could go ahead.

He said plans had been made months ago, invites had been sent out, venues booked and the wedding celebrations were due to start on December 26

If his client was not there it would be a punishment and embarrassment for Khan’s bride-to-be and his family, said Mr Hussain, as people would still turn up to the venue only to be told the groom was “a no show”.

Mr Hussain said his client could be released on bail because his family had put their trust in him, the equity of three family houses was offered as surety.

He told chairman of the magistrates bench Menir Khan: “He can be trusted because his family has put their trust on him."

Solicitor Andrew Cowan, representing Ikhlaq Hussain, also applied for bail for his client.

He said Husain worked in the family shop and caring for a sick grandfather would keep him within bail restrictions.

Magistrates refused both applications and remanded the defendants in custody to appear before Bradford Crown Court on January 16.