Undercover officers to patrol London Tube system

Undercover counter-terrorism officers will be deployed to patrol the London Tube network, it has been announced today.

The measures come as leading security experts from Metro systems around the world met in London last week to review methods of combating terrorism at a conference hosted by the BTP, London Underground and its infrastructure partners Metronet and Tube Lines.

The decision to use plain clothed officers has not been made as a result of last Thursday's terror attacks on the Madrid rail system which left 201 people dead, the Met said. The constabulary also pointed out that the move was not in direct response to a specific threat to the London Underground or rail system.

The public have also been urged to play their part in ensuring that the capital's transport system remains safe.

Police have appealed to passengers to be pro-active in reporting anything suspicious, asking other passengers if they see an item they believe to be unattended and reporting it immediately to London Underground staff or police if it is unclaimed. Posters will be appearing on the London Underground system this week.

Deputy Chief Constable Andy Trotter said: "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."

As part of the security regime, passengers may see police officers conducting stop-and-search procedures on stations. The Met has urged passengers who might be subject to searches, to "be patient in supporting the continuing fight against terrorism".

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Peter Clarke, Head of the Metropolitan Police’s Anti-Terrorist Branch, said: "The despicable attacks in Madrid show only too clearly that the threat from terrorism remains very real. London continues to be on a high level of alert and security across the capital remains under constant review.

"We will do whatever is necessary to protect the public from harm. Public vigilance is vital at all times, not only when travelling on the Tube or rail network."

The step up in security is a joint operation involving British Transport Police (BTP), the Metropolitan Police, City of London Police and Transport for London.

(gmcg)