Five Police Officers Suspended After Firearms Bag Found Near Mayor Sadiq Khan's Residence

Five Metropolitan Police officers are no longer on duty after a bag containing firearms was discovered outside the London home of Mayor Sadiq Khan. The incident occurred in south London.

The bag, which was reportedly left by armed officers responsible for the mayor's security detail, contained an MP5 semi-automatic carbine, a Glock pistol, a Taser, and ammunition.

It was found by a member of the public, identified as Jordan Griffiths, who contacted the police after discovering the weapons. Griffiths stated, “I could not believe my eyes and took some pictures as proof of what we had found. I called the police and told them what I had found and within a few minutes they turned up to collect the guns.” He also noted that the responding officers appeared surprised and promptly secured the items.

The Metropolitan Police acknowledged the event, issuing a statement: “At approximately 9:40pm, a member of the public reported finding a bag containing Met-issued firearms and a Taser on a street in south London. Officers arrived at the scene and safely recovered the items within seven minutes of the call.”

The force indicated that the bag was believed to have been accidentally misplaced by officers who were on duty shortly before its discovery. An internal investigation has been initiated. The statement continued, “We are urgently reviewing the circumstances of this incident and recognise the concern it may cause.”

A representative for the mayor commented that the situation is being treated as serious and has been passed to the Metropolitan Police's Directorate of Professional Standards. The spokesperson added, “This is a very serious incident… The Met must now take all steps to ensure an incident like this never occurs again.”

Investigations into the matter are ongoing, with the officers involved having been removed from their duties.