The Metropolitan police are currently investigating a serious incident involving armed police officers tasked with protecting London mayor Sadiq Khan, who allegedly left a bag containing firearms and a Taser on a south London street. The bag was discovered by a member of the public on Tuesday evening at approximately 9:40 pm.

Following the incident, the Met police announced on Friday that five officers have been removed from frontline duties while inquiries are ongoing. A referral has also been made to the Met’s directorate of professional standards. According to a Met spokesperson, officers responded within seven minutes of receiving a call from the public and safely recovered the items. At this stage, it is believed the bag was misplaced by on-duty officers a short time before its discovery.

The contents of the bag were reported by The Sun to include an MP5 semi-automatic Heckler & Koch carbine, a Glock pistol, a Taser, and ammunition. Jordan Griffiths, a scaffolder, recounted how his pregnant partner initially noticed the bag on the kerbside and found it suspiciously heavy when she kicked it. Griffiths expressed deep concern, stating that it was fortunate a gun inside did not discharge, potentially harming his partner and their unborn child. He described picking up the heavy bag and, upon opening it inside his home, was shocked to discover the weapons.

A spokesperson for Sadiq Khan emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is a very serious incident, which has been referred to the Met’s directorate of professional standards. The Met must now take all steps to ensure an incident like this never occurs again.” The incident highlights the rigorous security measures in place for Khan, who has received 24-hour police protection since becoming mayor in 2016.