‘Boris Johnson may consider buying controversial “sound weapons” for Scotland Yard to use when dealing with riots – despite the risk they can cause permanent hearing loss.
The Mayor of London’s policing deputy Stephen Greenhalgh said City Hall would seek to purchase the Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs) “if there is a sound business case”.
After being urged to purchase the weapons he told the London Assembly on Tuesday: “I would expect policing to be up to date with emerging technology.”
LRADs, known as “sound cannons”, use small satellite-style dishes to emit harmful, pain-inducing sounds during riots and can also cause severe headaches. The weapons were held in reserve by the army during the London Olympics, but have never been used before in the UK.’
Read more: Boris Johnson considering buying ‘sound cannons’ to help Scotland Yard tackle riots
