Parsons Green tube bomb: London will not be stopped by terror, commissioner says as armed police presence increased

Sean Morrison @seanmorrison_16 September 2017

London will not be stopped by terror, Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said as she highlighted an increased police presence on the capital's streets after the Parsons Green Tube attack.

Her comments came as armed police and military personnel were deployed across the capital as the terror threat remains at critical.

The UK is on the highest terror alert after Theresa May raised the threat level, which means another attack is expected imminently.

Police armed with guns were pictured patrolling Tube stations and outside landmark areas across London amid officers continued to investigate on Saturday.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick on the South Bank in central London
PA

Ms Dick spoke as she joined officers on some of the city's busiest streets, travelling on the Tube to Waterloo Station and patrolling the tourist hot spot of the South Bank.

She said: "London has not stopped after other terrible attacks and it will not stop after this one."

The Commissioner said the public should feel "utterly reassured" by the presence of police.

Armed police patrol in Westminster Underground station as the terror threat remains at critical
Getty Images

"I've been out and about today. The public seem to be very positive about the number of officers that we have… The great thing about London is that we don't give in, we don't give in to terrorists - we never have and we carry on.” She added.

"So the transport system is running just as it ever did and the events are going ahead today. People are out and about. I've spoken to lots of people, Londoners and tourists and business people. People are here and I would say, carry on about your business and secondly, of course, be vigilant."

She added: "My main message is London is carrying on. Carry on with your business but be alert, don't be alarmed but make sure you tell us anything that worries you."

Parsons Green explosion incident on the Tube - In pictures

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It comes as an 18-year-old man was arrested in Dover over the explosion, which injured 29 people. He remains in custody and will be transferred to a south London police station in due course.

Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said that the arrest was "significant", but added: "Although we are pleased with the progress made, this investigation continues and the threat level remains at critical."

"The public should remain vigilant as our staff, officers and partners continue to work through this complex investigation. We are not, at this time, changing our protective security measures and the steps taken to free up extra armed officers remain in place.

"This arrest will lead to more activity from our officers. For strong investigative reasons we will not give any more details on the man we arrested at this stage."

Armed police officers on patrol in Westminster
REUTERS

A manhunt was launched after a device in a bucket exploded on a rush hour District Line train on Friday morning, forcing passengers to flee in panic.

Prime Minister Theresa May subsequently raised the country's terror threat to "critical", while armed police have been deployed across the capital's streets and train stations.

The country's top counter-terrorism officer suggested on Friday night that more than one suspect could have been involved in the attempt to slaughter commuters in a tube carriage.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said police were "chasing down suspects", while suggestions were made by Donald Trump that the bomber was known to Scotland Yard.

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