Reports are emerging from Scotland Yard, the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, that are stating that the Metropolitan Police want to buy a new fleet of military-style armoured vehicles in order to help tackle public disorder, firearms incidents and riots in and around the capital. Last week the force released a notice that said it was looking for suppliers for what it described as armoured personnel carriers, armoured military vehicles, armoured combat vehicles and weapon carriers. In addition to this it also said it requires security, firefighting and defence equipment and armour plating.
A Metropolitan police spokesman said that it requires “tactical intervention and public order and firearm patrol vehicles”. The specification for this equipment is that it needs to be able to carry up to eight personnel as well as weighing over 10 tonnes. The Met spokesman was insistent that this new equipment is not linked to the coronavirus pandemic and that the vehicles would not be ready until next year. The list of military-style vehicles the Met currently owns is not available to the public.
However, it is understood that the Met currently has at least three upgraded bullet-resistant armoured ‘Jankel Guardian’ at an estimated cost of £100,000 each. The personal carrier weighs seven-tonnes and can withstand AK-47 bullets and has a bomb-proof floor. In addition to this the Met also has 13 older Jankels, which were used during the 2011 London riots. The current fleet was sent out onto the streets following widespread looting and public disorder. They were also used at Wembley in 2015 following the terror attacks in Paris.
Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
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