In a serious security breach, a bag containing firearms was left outside the home of Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, in Clapham, South London, at approximately 9.40pm on Tuesday. The bag, which was discovered by a member of the public, contained a Heckler & Koch submachine gun, a Glock pistol, a Taser, and ammunition.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that five officers from Khan’s protection team have been temporarily suspended from frontline duties while an investigation is conducted. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding the safety protocols in place for the mayor, who receives 24-hour armed protection due to repeated threats to his safety.
Jordan Griffiths, the individual who found the bag, reported the discovery to the police after his girlfriend first noticed it. Initially, Griffiths thought the heavy bag might be filled with coins, but upon inspection, he was shocked to find a handgun in the front pocket and a submachine gun in the main compartment.
“I could not believe my eyes. There was a handgun in the front pocket and a submachine gun in the main part of the bag,” Griffiths stated. He added that when the police arrived, they were visibly shocked by the contents of the bag.
According to Griffiths, he was informed that the bag had been left by one of Sadiq Khan’s security officers, which he said made sense given the mayor’s residence in the area. The police responded to the scene within seven minutes of the call, indicating a prompt reaction to the alarming situation.
The Metropolitan Police’s Directorate of Professional Standards is currently reviewing the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the security lapse. A spokesperson for Sadiq Khan described the situation as “a very serious incident,” emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by public officials like Khan, who are often targets for threats and violence. The presence of 15 armed officers in Khan’s protection team highlights the ongoing risks associated with his role as mayor.
As the investigation unfolds, further details may emerge regarding the protocols in place for the protection of public figures and the accountability of security personnel. The implications of this incident could lead to changes in how security is managed for high-profile individuals.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact circumstances that led to the bag being left outside Khan’s home, but the incident has certainly raised questions about the effectiveness of current security measures.
