Armed police to travel on London Tube for first time due to rising threat
Armed police officers and dog units are to travel regularly on trains on the London Underground for the first time due to heightened concerns of a terrorist attack. It is hoped this will also help to reassure the public and it is more convenient due to London's congested roads. This move follows an incident recently when a teenager was charged in relation to the discovery of a suspicious device at North Greenwich Underground station.
British Transport Police (BTP) bosses say firearms officers will use the Tube network to travel between jobs, rather than using transport above ground

Armed police will travel on the London Underground for the first time since the aftermath of the 7/7 bombings to provide reassurance to the public over potential terror threats, it was reported.

British Transport Police (BTP) bosses say firearms officers will use the Tube network to travel between jobs, rather than using transport above ground to get around the capital, the Evening Standard said.

Armed patrols are not specifically being deployed to the Underground, though firearms police are regularly seen at mainline overground stations such as Victoria, Waterloo and King's Cross.

Dog units would also use the Underground to move around London under the proposals, rather than being transported in cars and vans on the road as they currently are.

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

It comes after a teenager was charged in relation to the discovery of a suspicious device at North Greenwich Underground station last week.

The plan has yet to be ratified by City Hall and Transport for London, but would mean people would see armed officers travelling on the Tube on a daily basis, the Standard said.

BTP's Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Hanstock told the newspaper: "They will stand out and people will see them.

"We hope they will provide a reassurance that they are there and are able to respond whatever the threat may be."

Armed police were temporarily deployed to the train and Tube network following the 7/7 terrorist bombings in 2005.