TWO men have been charged with firearms offences in connection with burglaries in which a man was threatened with a gun.

Edward Checkley, 36, from London Street in Faringdon and Gareth Curtis, 34, from Anson Drive in Watchfield both appeared in court yesterday in connection with the burglaries in Radcot Road, Faringdon, on March 1, and one in Station Road, Bampton, on February 19.

Thames Valley Police said during the Faringdon burglary a man returned home about 11am to find men leaving the property.

The burglars threatened him with a gun before making off in a small blue vehicle.

Prior to this police said a similar incident happened in Bampton when men broke into a home and stole firearms.

Three firearms have since been recovered in connection with this investigation.

The pair are each charged with one count of aggravated burglary of a dwelling with intent, one count of aggravated burglary, one count of possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm whilst committing a schedule 1 offence.

Mr Checkley and Mr Curtis were remanded at Banbury Magistrates Court yesterday and are expected to appear at Oxford Crown Court on April 7.

It comes after Nathan Ingram, 20, of no fixed abode, was charged on Friday in connection with the burglaries.

He was charged with one count of aggravated burglary of a dwelling with intent and one count of aggravated burglary, two counts of possession of a firearm, one count of possession of ammunition of a firearm without a certificate, one count of arson and one count of possession of a firearm while committing a schedule one offence.

He was bailed and due to appear at Oxford Crown Court on April 7.

A 32-year-old woman from Blandford, Dorset, was also arrested in connection with these incidents and remains on bail.