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More armed cops to patrol streets of London

Xinhua, August 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

More armed police are to patrol the streets of Britain's capital, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe announced Wednesday.

Their decision is in response to the recent wave of terror atrocities in mainland Europe.

The mayor and police chief jointly announced the start of Operation Hercules in which additional firearms officers will be deployed in visible roles across London.

A spokesman at Scotland Yard, headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, said: "The mayor has welcomed the commissioner's increase of 600 additional firearms officers to protect London against any attack. The first batch are fully trained and operationally ready."

The public will see more armed officers, working alongside their neighborhood and specialist colleagues, on proactive operations and targeted patrols, both on foot and in vehicles, across London.

Commissioner Hogan-Howe said: "We are deadly serious about the protection that we are offering the people of London and we will never be complacent. I want the public to know that we have substantial resources and a range of tactics that we can call on to protect them."

"Despite the fact they are carrying guns they are still police officers and I want the public to approach and talk to them, they are out on our streets to reassure and help the public," he added.

Mayor Khan said: "The threat level here in London has not changed, but it does remain at severe and especially in light of recent deadly attacks in Europe it is important we are prepared should the unthinkable happen."

"We will see more armed officers on our streets, but there is no reason to be alarmed. All of our police officers are playing their part and working closely with all of our communities to prevent the possibility of an attack," he said.

The Met said the operation is not based on any specific intelligence, but a long-term response to best use the increasing number of armed officers.

Britain's biggest police force has announced plans to increase its number of armed cops by 600 to 2,800. Endit