London Mayor’s Bodyguards Suspended After Leaving Weapon Bag on Street

Five Metropolitan Police officers have been suspended from frontline duties after a bag containing firearms and ammunition was left on a street outside the home of London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

The incident, which occurred on April 1, 2026, is currently being investigated by the Metropolitan Police’s Directorate of Professional Standards. The weapons were discovered by a member of the public in south London, leading to an urgent recovery operation by police.

Discovery of the Weapons

The bag was found by Jordan Griffiths, a 30-year-old scaffolder, and his girlfriend, who is eight months pregnant. The couple discovered the black holdall by a curbside in south London at approximately 9:40 p.m. On April 1, 2026.

Upon opening the bag, Griffiths discovered a Taser, a Glock pistol, and an MP5 submachine gun, along with ammunition. Griffiths reported that he initially felt shock and concern that he might face legal repercussions for possessing the items before contacting the authorities.

I put [the bag] on the bed, opened the zip and the first thing I pulled out was the Taser, I was like, ‘oh my god’. Pulled out another one and it was a Glock [pistol]. ‘Opened up the big bit and the MP5 [submachine gun] was there.

Jordan Griffiths to Sky News

The Metropolitan Police arrived at the scene within seven minutes of the report to safely recover the firearms. Griffiths stated that he was informed the weapons had been left by one of the mayor’s security officers.

Official Response and Investigation

The Metropolitan Police confirmed in a statement on Friday, April 4, 2026, that five officers have been temporarily removed from frontline duties while inquiries are conducted. The police Directorate of Professional Standards is reviewing the circumstances of the incident.

According to the police, it is believed that the bag was misplaced by on-duty protection officers a short time before it was located by the public. The weapons included a Heckler & Koch MP5 semiautomatic carbine, a Glock pistol, a Taser, and ammunition.

We are urgently reviewing the circumstances of this incident and recognize the concern it may cause, the police stated. 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.

Metropolitan Police Statement

A spokesperson for Mayor Sadiq Khan described the event as a very serious incident and noted that it has been referred to the Directorate of Professional Standards. The spokesperson further stated that the police must now take all steps to ensure an incident like this never occurs again.

Security Concerns

The lapse in security has drawn criticism regarding the potential risks had the weapons been found by others. Jordan Griffiths expressed his concern to Sky News, stating that the mayor’s security team had let everyone down and noting that anyone could have picked it up in an area where he claimed there are loads of troublemakers.