Government considers formal request to give police water cannon

London
Water cannon
Metropolitan Police
Tuesday 25 March 2014 at 9:52am

German riot police use a water cannon to end a rally in 2007 Credit: PA

Home Secretary Theresa May is considering a formal request to arm police in London with water cannon. The application for a licence was made by the Association of Chief Police Officers after London mayor Boris Johnson gave his backing.

Ziegler Wasserwerfer 9000 seen in Germany Credit: Reuters

David Shaw, the Chief Constable of West Mercia Police, is the senior official responsible for the "ACPO Conflict Management Portfolio" including firearms and public order.

The move has been criticised by a majority of London Assembly members - including Conservatives - who say the mayor has failed to make a case for water cannon.