UK police
© AP Photo/ Matt Dunham
In response to recent terrorist attacks in Europe, more armed police are being deployed in London as the UK's terror threat remains ranked at 'severe', meaning an attack is highly likely.

Six hundred specialist counter terrorist armed officers will patrol London's landmarks, railway stations and streets to reassure the public.

​Head of the Met Police Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said: "It is important that we get officers out there with firearms to respond when necessary," adding that it would be "foolish to ignore" the recent attacks in Europe.


Already, the number of armed police deployed to patrol the streets of London is set to increase from 600 to 2,800 — while the majority of police officers nationwide do not carry firearms, in line with traditional British policing methods.

However, Hogan Howe says the reality of the situation is different.

"The reality of having to deal with armed and deadly attackers is that you need firearms officers who will use force to stop those attackers in their aim. Our firearms officers are the ones who will run towards the danger," said Hogan Howe.

London's mayor, Sadiq Khan says there is no reason for the public to be alarmed by the sight of armed officers on the streets.

​"All of our police officers are playing their party and working closely with all of our communities to prevent the possibility of an attack," said Khan.

Meanwhile, the overall number of Authorized Firearms Offices (AFOs) has fallen further since 2009, dropping by 1,267 last year, despite promises by the British government earlier in the year to increase AFO numbers by 1,500.

Responding to the fall in numbers, Che Donald, lead on firearms for the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), said: "The PFEW have repeatedly raised concerns around adequate numbers of firearms officers and we remain curious as to where this extra number will come from, with the latest Workforce data showing a further decrease of 3,000 police officers."

"The falling officer numbers means double-crewing is becoming a luxury, which leaves officers alone and unarmed in some dangerous situations, this is particularly relevant for those working in a rural environment."

​Meanwhile, 600 more armed officers who appear more like military police than traditional gun carrying cops will be visible in the UK's capital following recent terrorist attacks across Europe which has left more than 100 people dead.