The Metropolitan Police in London has launched an urgent investigation after armed protection officers assigned to guard Mayor Sadiq Khan left a bag containing multiple firearms outside his home in south London.
Security Breach at Mayor's Residence
According to police statements released late Friday, the weapons cache was discovered by a member of the public on Tuesday. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that five officers have been immediately removed from front-line duties while the inquiry is conducted.
Weapons Found by Public
The bag, which was reportedly left at the curbside near the mayor's residence, contained what The Sun newspaper described as an MP5 semiautomatic Heckler & Koch carbine, a Glock pistol, a Taser, and ammunition. The discovery was made by scaffolder Jordan Griffiths and his girlfriend, who promptly alerted authorities.
"I could not believe my eyes and took some pictures as proof of what we had found," Griffiths told the newspaper. "I called the police and told them what I had found and within a few minutes they turned up to collect the guns." He added that he was in "shock" after discovering the contents of the bag.
Police Response and Investigation
The police Directorate of Professional Standards is conducting a thorough review of the incident. In their official statement, the Metropolitan Police acknowledged the seriousness of the situation: "We are urgently reviewing the circumstances of this incident and recognize the concern it may cause. At this stage it is believed the bag was misplaced by on-duty officers a short time before the member of the public located it."
The statement emphasized that the five officers involved have been removed from operational duties pending the outcome of the investigation. This precautionary measure is standard procedure in such security breaches.
Mayor's Office Reaction
A spokesperson for Mayor Sadiq Khan responded to the incident, stating that the police "must now take all steps to ensure an incident like this never occurs again." The mayor's office has expressed concern over the security lapse but has not commented further while the investigation is ongoing.
The incident has raised questions about security protocols for high-profile public officials in London. The Metropolitan Police has not disclosed additional details about how the weapons came to be left unattended or what specific protection duties the officers were performing at the time.
This security breach comes at a time when London's policing methods are under increased scrutiny. The Metropolitan Police has assured the public that they are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness and will implement any necessary changes to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
