Five Met officers taken off duty after weapons find

Five Met Officers Taken Off Duty Following Weapons Discovery

Five members of the Metropolitan Police have been placed on leave after a bag containing firearms and a Taser was found on a London street. The incident occurred near the residence of London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, as reported by The Sun. The bag was located by a civilian on Tuesday evening, prompting an immediate police response.

Public Discovery Sparks Investigation

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the bag was likely misplaced by officers shortly before it was spotted by a member of the public. A spokesperson noted that the force is examining the situation to determine its cause. The bag contained a sub-machine gun, a pistol, a Taser, and several rounds of ammunition, according to available reports.

“We are urgently reviewing the circumstances of this incident and acknowledge the concern it may raise,” the police stated.

Passerby’s Account of the Find

A witness shared with the Sun that the bag was seen on the roadside, triggering suspicion. Jordan Griffiths, who alerted his partner to the discovery, described how he inspected the items inside before contacting authorities. “They arrived quickly and were visibly taken aback,” he said. “The items were carefully examined, and they were swiftly removed.”

“I was informed the bag had been left there by one of Sadiq Khan’s security officers,” Griffiths added.

Sir Sadiq Khan’s office described the incident as significant, emphasizing the need for the Metropolitan Police to prevent similar occurrences. The mayor’s spokesperson stated: “The Met must take all necessary steps to ensure such an event does not happen again.” This follows a 2017 decision where Khan agreed to a full-time police presence for 24-hour security, citing heightened risks to those in his vicinity.