British army ‘on standby’ after police officers turn in guns following charge over rapper Chris Kaba's murder

The army could be called in to cover for the police after dozens handed in their guns.

Last week, an unnamed police officer - identified as NX121 - was charged with murder over the shooting of Chris Kaba.

The unarmed 24-year-old was shot in Streatham Hill on 5 September 2022 after being stopped by officers from the Metropolitan Police.

It was later found that the Audi Mr Kaba was driving, which he didn't own, had been linked to an incident involving a gun the previous day.

And despite Home Secretary Suella Braverman offering the force her full support, many have taken the decision to hand their firearms in.

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Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “Officers need sufficient legal protection to enable them to do their job and keep the public safe, and the confidence that it will be applied consistently and without fear or favour."

More than 100 permits to carry firearms have been handed in by police following news that their colleague had been charged following the tragic incident.

And now, the Ministry of Defence has received a Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) request to 'provide routine counter-terrorism contingency support to the Metropolitan Police, should it be needed'.

A spokesperson for the Met said there were concerns over the murder charge, which many felt signalled 'a shift in the way the decisions they take in the most challenging circumstances will be judged'.

“The Ministry of Defence has agreed to a request to provide the Met with counterterrorism support should it be needed," it said in a statement.

“This is a contingency option that would only be used in specific circumstances and where an appropriate policing response was not available.

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“Armed forces personnel will not be used in a routine policing capacity. We will keep the need for the support under constant review.”

This comes after Braverman threw her full support behind the Met.

She wrote on social media that a review had been launched into the matter.

“We depend on our brave firearms officers to protect us from the most dangerous and violent in society," the home secretary said.

"In the interest of public safety they have to make split-second decisions under extraordinary pressures.

“They mustn’t fear ending up in the dock for carrying out their duties. Officers risking their lives to keep us safe have my full backing and I will do everything in my power to support them.

“That’s why I have launched a review to ensure they have the confidence to do their jobs while protecting us all.”