London police are investigating after a bag containing firearms and a Taser was found by a member of the public in south London. The bag reportedly belonged to officers protecting London Mayor Sadiq Khan, and five officers have been removed from frontline duties pending an inquiry.
Firearms Found by Public
The Metropolitan Police said the incident occurred around 9:40 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31st. A member of the public contacted police after discovering the bag on a kerbside in south London.
Officers arrived at the scene within seven minutes and secured the items, which included a Heckler & Koch MP5 semi-automatic carbine, a Glock pistol, a Taser, and ammunition, according to reports. The Metropolitan Police have referred the incident to their directorate of professional standards.
Scaffolder Discovered the Bag
Jordan Griffiths, a scaffolder, told the Sun that his pregnant partner initially spotted the bag and became suspicious. After kicking the bag and finding it heavy, Griffiths examined the contents and discovered the weapons.
“I thought it might be full of coins and took it inside using both my hands because of its weight,” Griffiths said. “I opened the bag up. I could not believe my eyes.” He expressed concern that a gun could have discharged, potentially harming his partner and unborn child.
Mayor Khan’s Office Responds
A spokesperson for Mayor Sadiq Khan stated the incident is “very serious” and requires a thorough investigation. The Metropolitan Police must take steps to prevent similar incidents from happening again, the spokesperson added.
Khan, who has 24-hour police protection, previously served as the MP for Tooting before being elected mayor in 2016.
The Metropolitan Police are urgently reviewing the circumstances surrounding the misplaced bag, believing it was lost by on-duty officers shortly before it was found.
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