Five Metropolitan Police officers face suspension following the discovery of a bag stuffed with firearms on a street in south London. This alarming incident took place while armed officers were providing protection for London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
A member of the public found the bag at approximately 9:40pm on Tuesday 31 March. The bag contained several serious weapons including an MP5 semi-automatic Heckler & Koch carbine, a Glock pistol, a Taser, and ammunition, all issued by the Metropolitan Police.
Police responded swiftly, arriving at the scene within seven minutes to secure the dangerous weapons safely.
The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards has launched an urgent internal investigation into the matter. The five officers involved have been suspended from frontline duties while enquiries are ongoing.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “At around 21:40hrs, a member of the public called police after finding a bag containing Met-issued firearms and a Taser on a street in South London.”
“Within seven minutes of the call officers arrived at the scene and safely recovered the items.”
“We are urgently reviewing the circumstances of this incident and recognise 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.”
“An internal review was immediately launched into the circumstances.”
“Five officers have been removed from frontline duties while these enquiries remain ongoing.”
This serious security lapse raises important questions about officer protocols and safety within the capital’s armed units.
Originally published by UKNIP.
