Blair police guard left pistol in café

An investigation was under way today after a policewoman guarding Tony Blair left her loaded gun in the lavatory of a London café.

The former Prime Minister's close protection officer, in her thirties, removed her belt holding the loaded Glock 17 pistol in Starbucks while on duty. She left the busy Edgware Road café after buying a coffee without realising she had left her weapon behind.

Scotland Yard said: "We have traced the officer concerned and the officer has been removed from operational duties pending the investigation."

The semi-automatic weapon is said to have been left lying on the floor of the café's only lavatory for up to 20 minutes before it was discovered by an employee.

Armed police recovered the weapon as the plain clothes officer tried to retrace her steps after realising her gun was missing.

A police source said: "Luckily it was found in time but if a child or a criminal had picked it up there could have been serious consequences. The officer is inconsolable and seriously regrets her mistake.

"She was among the top of her class during training but her firearms career could be over."