Policeman shoots himself in the leg

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The weapon went off as the policeman, a member of Scotland Yard's Diplomatic Protection Group, was getting into his car in Grosvenor Square, central London.

It is thought the injured officer had forgotten to put on his gun's safety catch.

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Armed police officers keep watch at London's Grosvenor Square where the policeman accidentally shot himself in the leg

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission as is usual when a gun is discharged.

A Met spokeswoman said: "The officer shot himself in the leg. The incident occurred whilst he was on duty in a police vehicle.

"The officer was taken to a central London hospital where his condition is described as stable.

"Nobody else was injured."

She added that "as is routine" the Metropolitan Police's Directorate of Professional Standards was investigating the incident.

The officer has been relieved of operational firearm duties while the internal inquiry is carried out into the incident at 10.10pm on Saturday.

The incident happened outside offices of the DPG, not the US Embassy which dominates Grosvenor Square, as the officer was starting or ending his shift.

The DPG has around 500 authorised firearms officers who protect London's diplomatic community.

It provides armed unfiform and plain clothes protection from terrorism to 160 embassies and high commissions.

It also protects Downing Street, the private residences of diplomats, politicians and senior military staff believed to be at risk.