Police a step closer to being armed with water cannon

. Credit: Reuters

Police in London have come a step closer to being armed with water cannon after mayor Boris Johnson gave his formal backing.

The Mayor has written to Home Secretary Theresa May saying he supports the controversial anti-riot measure. The move has infuriated members of the London Assembly, including Conservatives, who say the case for water cannon has not been made.

Labour's Joanne McCartney accused the mayor of "rushing" his decision and attacked him for announcing it on Budget Day.

Senior officers at Scotland Yard are hoping to buy three second-hand water cannon from Germany at an estimated cost of £200,000.

Boris Johnson spoke at City Hall this morning Credit: Press Association

The Home Secretary is expected to give her decision on licensing the water cannon this month.