ARMED cops from other forces will be drafted in to support the Met Police after firearms officers handed in their weapons in protest.

       Officers last week stood down from firearms duties at the treatment of a colleague charged with the murder of Chris Kaba.

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       Gun cops on the Met’s MO19 firearms command have handed in their blue authorisation cards

       The widespread action has left the capital with a “skeleton” armed police capability and alarmed senior Met chiefs.

       A Met Police spokesperson said "a number of officers have taken the decision to step back from armed duties while they consider their position".

       They added: "To ensure that we can continue to keep the public safe and respond to any eventualities, from Saturday evening Met firearms officers will be supported by a limited number of armed officers from other UK forces."

       The Ministry of Defence has also agreed to a request to provide the Met with counterterrorism support should it be needed.

       Gun cops on the Met’s MO19 firearms command began handing in their blue authorisation cards after their colleague, known as Officer NX121, was charged on Thursday with murdering 24-year-old Mr Kaba.

       The dad-to-be died from a single shot to the head while behind the wheel of his Audi in Streatham, South London, on the night of 5 September last year.

       Mr Kaba’s vehicle was boxed in by Armed Response Vehicles when it flagged up on an automatic number plate recognition system.

       Mr Kaba’s death sparked anger in the black community and relatives and supporters, including rap star Stormzy, marched on New Scotland Yard in protest.

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       London Mayor Sadiq Khan demanded “justice” for Mr Kaba.

       The CPS authorised the charge of murder following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

       But colleagues of Officer NX121 believe he has been “sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.”

       The Met’s firearms command was heavily criticised in a report by Baroness Casey earlier this year into the culture and standards of the Met.

       It followed the scandals involving armed officers Wayne Couzens, who kidnapped, raped and murdered Sarah Everard, and serial rapist David Carrick.

       Both worked on the Met’s Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection command.