Tory Mayor of London Boris Johnson is trying to force through controversial plans to unleash water cannon on London's citizens despite widespread opposition.

Twenty of 25 London Assembly members recently voted against the riot-control plans and a poll by the Met Police showed that out of 2,547 people asked about water cannon engagement only 59 were in favour.

But in an attempt to side-step the opposition, Mr Johnson said he would write to Home Secretary Theresa May, who has the final say on their deployment, for permission to go ahead.