Robbery resulted in police chase which led to death of PC Gary Toms

Austin Anti-Taylor, 19, of Oak Lodge Avenue in Chigwell, was among the group which targeted an address in Rosedale Road, Dagenham, forcing their way inside before punching and kicking a 30-year-old man they found there, and threatening him with a gun.

The gang went upstairs and stole property include a lap-top computer, camera and camcorder. They also took the man’s wallet before escaping in a silver Chrysler that had been bought on a cloned credit card.

Police intercepted the car in Stratford town centre where Anti-Taylor got out and ran off. The gang refused to stop when challenged by the police and a chase began.

The Chrysler was eventually stopped in Ashlin Road where PC Gary Toms, a serving specialist firearms command officer in the Metropolitan Police, was jolted out of a seat in the armed response vehicle that had been chasing the gang.

He suffered severe head injuries and died in hospital six days later on April 17.

Three of the gang were arrested at the scene in Ashlin Road, but it took police another three days to track down and arrest Anti-Taylor.

After an investigation, no charges were brought over PC Toms' death but Anti-Taylor along with Temitope Iyiola, 20, of no fixed abode, and Mary Fowler, 21, of Ibex House in Forest Lane, Stratford, were all found guilty of robbery at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Mansour-Jacques Jallow, 26, of no fixed abode, had previously admitted robbery.

Detective Chief Inspector Mick Broster, who led the inquiry, said: "We are pleased with today's result which has seen four people convicted of a violent offence.

"The aftermath of the incident led to the death of PC Gary Toms, a much-respected officer, and although there is no suggestion the defendants were directly responsible, our thoughts remain with his family as undoubtedly this court case will have brought back to them the events of that night."

The gang will be sentenced on December 2.