Investigation launched after MPS firearms left in street
Five officers from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) have been removed from frontline duties after a bag of firearms was found on a street in south London.
The holdall reportedly contained a Heckler & Koch submachine gun, a Glock pistol, a Taser and ammunition.
It is believed the weapons belonged to officers assigned to guard the home of London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan.
The incident occurred the same week that a 14-year-old boy was shot dead in Woolwich.
A spokesperson for the MPS said: “We have made a referral to the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards following an incident which took place on Tuesday, 31 March.
“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 to police, 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.
“Five officers have been removed from frontline duties while these enquiries remain ongoing.”