Police arrest two London minicab passengers carrying firearm wrapped in bandana

A firearm has been seized and two men arrested after specialist officers stopped passengers in a south London minicab.

On Tuesday 14 July, armed officers stopped a private hire vehicle on Southwark Park Road, SE16, as part of an investigation. 

Two men, who were passengers in the vehicle, were detained and a revolver wrapped in a bandana was recovered. The firearm was made safe and has been sent off for testing. 

Both men, aged 22 and 18, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. They have been taken to a south London police station where they remain in custody.

The investigation is being led by officers from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command. Detective Constable Rob Smith, the investigating officer, said: “As a result of this investigation, a dangerous weapon has been taken off the streets. This weapon could have easily gone on to seriously injure, or even kill, somebody. 

“Firearms have absolutely no place on our streets and their removal makes London a safer place for all.

“I want the public to be reassured that even during these challenging times, the Met remains committed to tackling violent crime and seizing weapons such as this one. We will continue to crackdown on criminals and bring them to justice.”

Enquiries continue.

EDIT: Met Police sources originally reported the vehicle as a taxi. Report updated by Met Police to minicab vehicle status.