In a stinging U turn, Metropolitan Police officials have confirmed the issue of 'Ball Bearing' sidearms to be issued to all London Cops.
This controversial weapon deployment is in quick succession to this weeks U turn on the routine arming of the Met. Pigeon lovers have been busy pecking over the news and have raised concerns that these officers maybe inclined to take pot shots during their long lunch-times.
A Met insider has confirmed the policy is designed to be a 'step change' for Londoners. The first step being the issue and acceptance that the officers are armed with a less lethal weapon than the standard semi-automatic Glock 17 pistol. Whilst to the untrained eye, the 'pistols' look the same, the ball bearing rounds are simply air propelled 5mm steel ball bearings.
Since the issue of the sidearms, 60,000 officers and PCSO's have taken up the 1hr training course before they may carry the gun in public.
There has already been one recorded incident in the Camden area which was caught on film. In the incident the Met officer, dressed in full combat uniform, can be seen punmping a full clip of ball bearings into the body of an Australian tourist. The incident has been referred to the IPCC for comment.
See the footage on youtube.
