THREE men have been charged following reports of gun shots and a large amount of cannabis found near a Southampton park.

It comes following an investigation into an incident at River Walk, Southampton, which happened on September 5 last year.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, gun shots were reportedly heard by residents in the street and a large amount of cannabis was found at an address and in a nearby vehicle, abandoned in Riverside Park.

Officers had also discovered an empty house being used to farm more than 100 cannabis plants.

Robert Johnston, 24, of Tennyson Avenue, has been charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary and conspiracy to possess a firearm.

Fardeen Hamidy, 26, of Bursledon Road, Southampton, has also been charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary and conspiracy to possess a firearm.

Christy Flaherty, 26, of Malmesbury Road, Southampton, has also been charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary and conspiracy to possess a firearm, as well as being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

Court dates for all three men are yet to be confirmed.

During the investigation, a man’s body was discovered in the River Itchen in Riverside Park.

Police have said the investigation into the death of 20-year-old Sol Hemy, whose body was found in the water at Riverside Park a few hours after the incident on River Walk, is continuing.