Gun found in aeroplane toilet alongside passport belonging to David Cameron

Scotland Yard is investigating after a gun was found in an aeroplane toilet alongside a passport belonging to David Cameron.

The weapon was found by a passenger, who handed it to flight attendants on a transatlantic flight, according to the Daily Mail.

The gun, believed to be a 9mm Glock 17 pistol, is said to have been left by a close-protection officer who took off his holster while using the toilet.

His passport was found alongside the former prime minister's identification.

A source told the newspaper: "Fortunately it was found by a law-abiding member of the public who did the right thing.

"If it had been found by someone with malign intent it could have turned into a very serious incident for everyone on board."

Another passenger told The Sun: "We were waiting to take off when a guy started to show pictures on his phone of a gun and two passports - one was David Cameron's - he said he found in the toilet.

"They were just resting on the side by the sink. He was stunned by what he saw."

In a statement the Metropolitan Police said: "We are aware of the incident on a flight into the UK on February 3 and the officer involved has since been removed from operational duties.

"We are taking this matter extremely seriously and an internal investigation is taking place."

Cameron, as a former prime minister, is entitled to taxpayer-funded round-the-clock armed protection for life from Scotland Yard's Specialist Protection Branch.

In 2012 Cameron is said to have left his daughter in a pub after she reportedly wandered off to the toilets while they were arranging lifts.

The politician only learned of the mistake when he arrived home.