Four men who attempted to break a criminal out of a prison van have been jailed for more than 30 years.

Ozcan Eren, 32, of Douglas Road, Wood Green, was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years at Woolwich Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to attempting to break his cousin, Izzet Eren, free from custody, and possession of an imitation firearm.

Izzet Eren, 33 was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years, to run consecutively to his existing 14-year sentence, which he was attempting to break free from - meaning he will now be behind bars for 22-and-a-half years.

Co-conspirators Nathan Mason and Gokay Sogucakli were sentenced to nine years, and five-and-a-half years respectively, after pleading guilty to the same offences.

Sentencing for another member of the gang Eren Hasyer, 25 of Kettering Road, Enfield, will be held at Woolwich Crown Court at an unconfirmed date.

The other member of the group, Jermaine Baker, was shot dead by a police officer during the attempted break out. His death is being investigated by the IPCC and the officer involved faces homicide charges.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tom Manson of the Metropolitan Police said: "Today’s sentencing reflects the gravity of this bold and audacious plot.

“These five men conspired to carry out a professional and well planned break out from a prison transport van so a dangerous convicted criminal could escape a lengthy prison sentence.”

The plot was started after Izzet Eren and another man, Erwin Amoah-Gyamfi, were arrested in Stamford Hill, on October 13, with two bags containing loaded guns.

They both pleaded guilty and were remanded in custody for sentencing on December 11, but Izzet Eren, not wanting to spend a long time in prison, used his cousin to recruit a team to break him free,

At about 8am on December 1, a black Audi estate car, which contained Mason, Sogucakli and Jermaine Baker, parked up near to Wood Green Crown Court in Bracknell Close, however police, who knew about the plan, had fitted the car with a listening device.

At around 9am, armed police surrounded the car. Mr Baker was fatally wounded and Mason and Sogucakli were arrested.

Two mobile phones and a replica Uzi machine gun were found in the car.

Mason was wearing a ski mask, dark hat, long johns under dark tracksuit trousers, a tracksuit top and a coat, while Sogucakli was wearing a coat, five tops and three pairs of tracksuit trousers. Police say this was to reduce forensic traces, and help their escape by allowing a quick change of clothes. It is not yet known what Mr Baker was wearing.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Peter Terry said a police officer remains on bail following the shooting of Mr Baker.

He said: “It is absolutely vital that the full facts of what took place during the operation are thoroughly established as quickly as possible.

“This is an independent investigation, which is only right in the circumstances, being carried out by the IPCC. Our thoughts are with Mr Baker's family at this difficult time.

"In these challenging circumstances we continue to offer every possible support to the officer, and their family, and to the officer's colleagues. Everyone affected by this investigation wants answers as soon as possible.

"All of the officers who took part in the operation were doing a job, one that we asked of them.”

Ozcan Eren and Hasyer were in another car parked in Warwick Road, Tottenham. They attempted to escape, but were stopped by armed police in Barratt Avenue, Haringey, and both men were arrested.

Sentencing for Izzet Eren and Amoah-Gyamfi went ahead later that day on December 11 at Wood Green Crown Court, where they were both jailed for 14 years.