Five Met Officers Removed from Duty Following Weapon Discovery

A bag found on a London street contained firearms and a Taser, prompting the Metropolitan Police to take five officers off front-line duties, according to official statements. The item was spotted by a civilian on Tuesday evening near the residence of London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, as reported by The Sun.

The police noted that the bag was likely misplaced by officers on duty just before its discovery. “Officers arrived at the scene within seven minutes of the call and recovered the items safely,” a spokesperson said. The Directorate of Professional Standards is currently examining the situation to determine its cause.

Public Alert Leads to Immediate Response

A passerby, Jordan Griffiths, noticed the bag on a roadside and raised the alarm after inspecting its contents. “I took photos of the items inside and called the police, who arrived shortly afterward,” he explained. The officers were reportedly surprised upon finding the bag, which included a sub-machine gun, pistol, Taser, and ammunition.

“When they arrived, they were really shocked. They carefully examined the bag and quickly removed the weapons,” Griffiths added. He suggested the bag might have been left by one of Khan’s security personnel, given its proximity to the mayor’s home.

A representative for Sir Sadiq Khan emphasized the gravity of the incident, stating: “The Met must ensure such an event does not happen again.” The mayor’s decision to accept 24-hour police protection in 2017 was linked to concerns about personal safety for those around him.