'Basil' in court over giant London jewel heist

The man accused of being "Basil" -- the missing suspect wanted over the biggest heist in English history -- was found with gold ingots in his flat, a court heard Thursday.

Michael Seed, 57, allegedly the final member of the gang behind the Hatton Garden jewellery heist of 2015, was arrested at his home in north London on Tuesday.

Prosecutors allege items of jewellery, precious stones and gold ingots found at his flat were stolen in the raid.

Seed appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court in London on Thursday charged with conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to conceal or disguise criminal property.

He was remanded in custody.

The Hatton Garden gang that ransacked 73 safety deposit boxes in London's jewellery district after using a drill to bore a hole into the vault wall.

Prosecutor Philip Stott said he is alleged to have been involved in the burglary when gold, cash and gems worth an estimated £13.7 million ($19.3 million, 15.6 million euros) was stolen.

Seed's lawyer James Reilly said his client "fashions jewellery".

The defendant is due to appear at Woolwich Crown Court in London on April 26.

Six men have been convicted and imprisoned for their part in the Hatton Garden raid, which state prosecutors at the time called the "biggest burglary in English legal history".

In April 2015, the group used a diamond-tipped industrial drill to bore through a concrete vault wall.London, March 29, 2018 (AFP)