Mass Stabbing Strikes London as U.K. Steps Up Armed Police Force to Prepare for Possible Terror Attacks Threat level is currently at the second-highest ranking of ‘severe,’ indicating authorities believe an attack is highly likely By Alexis Flynn
http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-k-prepares-for-possible-terror-attacks-with-more-armed-police-1470226721
LONDON—A woman was killed and as many as five others were wounded in a knife attack in central London late Wednesday, hours after more armed police officers were deployed on the city’s streets under measures to prepare the country for the types of attacks by Islamic extremists seen elsewhere in Europe.
London’s Metropolitan Police, known as Scotland Yard, said they arrested a suspect in connection with the attack in Russell Square.
The police didn’t rule out terrorism as a motive, according to a police statement early Thursday. No further information was immediately available.
Earlier on Wednesday, Scotland Yard said the deployment of the previously announced extra armed officers would include ensuring a visible presence in the city, including at well-known landmarks. In the U.K., more than 90% of police officers are unarmed, with only specialist firearms teams permitted to carry submachine guns and pistols capable of killing a hostile suspect.
Extremists have launched attacks recently in France, Belgium and Germany, and their methods have included multiple shooters and lone assailants using weapons including guns and heavy vehicles. That has left authorities across Europe scrambling to adapt.
In January, following the massacre in Paris late last year, U.K. authorities said they would add 600 officers trained to handle weapons to the 2,200 already in London. Those are the officers who are now ready to be deployed. CONTINUE AT SITE
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