LONDON (Azat TV) – Five Metropolitan Police officers assigned to the security detail of London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan have been removed from frontline duties following a major security breach in which a bag containing high-powered firearms and ammunition was left unattended on a south London street. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, has raised urgent questions regarding the integrity of diplomatic protection protocols.
Discovery of Service Weapons on Public Property
The breach came to light at approximately 9:40 p.m. on Tuesday when a member of the public discovered a heavy bag sitting on a kerbside near the Mayor’s residence. Jordan Griffiths, a local scaffolder, reported that his partner initially spotted the bag, which they eventually brought inside their home after suspecting it might contain valuables. Upon opening the bag, the couple discovered an MP5 semi-automatic Heckler & Koch carbine, a Glock pistol, a Taser, and various rounds of live ammunition.
Griffiths stated that he immediately contacted the police upon realizing the nature of the contents. Officers arrived at the scene within seven minutes to recover the equipment. The Metropolitan Police confirmed in an official statement that they are currently conducting an urgent review into the circumstances surrounding the incident, acknowledging the significant public concern the security lapse has generated.
Metropolitan Police Internal Review
The force’s Directorate of Professional Standards has launched a formal investigation into the conduct of the protection team. While the Met indicated that it is believed the bag was misplaced by on-duty officers shortly before it was recovered, the removal of five officers from active duty signals the severity with which the incident is being treated by senior leadership. The Mayor’s office has characterized the event as a serious incident, emphasizing that the Metropolitan Police must take all necessary steps to ensure that such a failure cannot recur.
The discovery of service-issued weaponry by a civilian highlights a critical breakdown in standard operating procedures for high-level security details, shifting the focus of the ongoing internal investigation from mere negligence to a broader assessment of the training and supervision standards currently maintained by the Met’s protection units.