London’s Mayor, central Government, British Transport Police and the Metropolitan Police have joined forces to urge Londoners assist in the fight against terror.
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, urged Londoners: “You should notify the police, bus or tube authorities if you see anything that is suspicious and of course if you see a package on the tube you should ask people if anyone is responsible for it and if no-one is, then inform tube staff.”
At the same time a number of measures have been taken to help protect the capital, including the deployment of additional police on the Underground.
Deputy Chief Constable Andy Trotter explains:
“I must emphasize that we have received no specific threat to the London Underground or rail system, nevertheless, the threat from terrorism remains very real as the events in Madrid show.
London is on a high level of alert and the London Underground system is controlled public space, with hundreds of staff at stations, extensive CCTV coverage and its own dedicated police resources. A further, crucial element is the vigilance of customers. With three million travelling every day, they can provide millions of eyes and ears across the whole system.
We have an active security regime in place on the Underground involving police, London Underground staff and management, a regime that is frequently changed as security measures are under constant review. These new policing initiatives and our appeal to passengers are part of that.”
A series of posters will appear on the tube following a similiar form of those deployed in the fight against the IRA during recent decades.
Echoing London’s past defiance in the face of terror threats, Mr Livingstone concluded by urging Londoners: “Carry on going about your normal lives. Don’t let the terrorists win by not going out and enjoying yourself.”
Anyone with information about terrorist activity can contact the free, confidential Anti-Terrorism hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency dial 999.
Related links: Metropolitan Police website
