A jury hearing the trial of two men accused of involvement in a violent mass raid on a travellers’ site has been discharged as the case entered the third week.

Kieon Barker, 22, and 29-year-old Vincent Stickings denied conspiracy to rob and carrying firearms or imitation firearms with intent to rob.

They are alleged to have been among a gang of about 20 masked men, armed with guns and other weapons, that stormed the site at Wheat Gratten Stable Yards in Forstal Road, near Lenham, on the night of April 26 last year.

Judge Julian Smith discharged the jury of eight women and four men this week for legal reasons. A retrial will be held in September.

Barker, of Clonbrock Road, Stoke Newington, east London, and Stickings, of Whinchat Road, Thamesmead, south east London, were remanded in custody.

Seven men were convicted of conspiracy to rob in January. Two others admitted the charge. Two have evaded arrest.