Ask Onix
Firearms bag discovered outside London mayor's residence
The Metropolitan Police have taken five officers off front-line duties after a bag containing a submachine gun, pistol, Taser and ammunition was found on a south London street near the home of Mayor Sadiq Khan on Tuesday evening.
Timeline of events
At approximately 21:40 BST a passer-by alerted police after noticing the unattended bag. Officers arrived within seven minutes and secured the weapons, the Met confirmed.
A witness, Jordan Griffiths, told The Sun he opened the bag, photographed the contents, then called authorities. "When the officers turned up they looked shocked," he said. "They checked the bag carefully and quickly removed it."
Police response
In a statement the Met said: "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." The force's Directorate of Professional Standards has launched an urgent review.
"We are urgently reviewing the circumstances of this incident and recognise the concern it may cause."
Metropolitan Police
Mayor's office reacts
A spokesperson for Sadiq Khan called the incident serious and demanded the Met take all necessary steps to prevent a recurrence. The mayor has had 24-hour armed protection since 2017 after security assessments identified heightened risks.
Next steps
The Directorate of Professional Standards is expected to complete its initial findings within 48 hours. The five officers remain suspended from front-line duties pending the outcome.
