Multiple machine pistols and an automatic weapon were among an arsenal of firearms and 300 rounds of ammunition discovered in Kent.

Border Force officers stopped and searched the SUV at Dover on Monday as it entered the UK from France.

Inside a custom-built hide in the vehicle’s footwell they discovered 13 firearms, including Skorpions, a submachine gun and pistols.

They also found 300 rounds of ammunition and five kilos of heroin.

Tests are ongoing to classify the weapons and verify if they are viable.

Kasha Sanderson, 39, of Wick, Bristol, appeared at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with importation of firearms, ammunition and Class A drugs.

National Crime Agency senior investigating officer Daren Nicholls said: “This is a significant seizure of deadly firearms that were destined for the UK criminal marketplace.

“Our investigation to track down the organised criminals responsible for this attempted importation continues at pace.

“Stopping the availability of firearms to UK-based criminals is a top priority for the NCA and we work closely with domestic and international partners to do this.”