TWO dangerous criminals found guilty of possessing a loaded firearm with intent to carry out a theft have escaped from their trial and gone on the run.

Ricky Dorey, 27, and Danny Hicks, 29, had been on bail and had attended the first nine days of their trial at Chelmsford Crown Court but failed to appear this Monday (October 12).

They were found guilty in their absence of possessing a firearm with intent and going equipped for theft.

Dorey, of Chadwin Road, Plaistow, and Hicks, of Sunbeam Avenue, Jaywick, along with a third man Jacob Henry, 27, of London Road, Plaistow, were stopped in a car, in Manor Road, Chigwell, by police on March 27, 2007.

Balaclavas, gloves and a loaded handgun were found in the boot of their vehicle.

They were all wearing identical grey tracksuits at the time of the arrest and were referred to as The Grey Gang during the course of their trial.

Henry, who had been remanded in custody throughout the trial, was found guilty of possessing a firearm with intent yesterday (October 14) and will be sentenced on November 13.

Investigating officer DC Donna Clark, said: “The two missing men are dangerous individuals who should not be approached by members of the public, but we are extremely keen to hear from anyone who has seen the men or has information about where they may be now.

“They have both been found guilty of very serious offences and we want to find them urgently so that they can be put before the court with Henry on November 13."

Anyone who sees the men should dial 999 and ask for the police. Anyone with information on their whereabouts should call Harlow CID on 0300 333 4444.