More armed police officers will patrol the streets of London as police chief warns attack is case of 'when, not if'

There will be more armed police officers patrolling the streets of London, Met Police chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said.

Hogan-Howe told Sky News it would be "foolish to ignore" the slew of attacks that have hit Europe over the last few weeks: "It is important that we get officers out there with firearms to respond where necessary."

600 more armed officers will patrol the streets of the capital as well as major landmarks as part of a plan for heightened visible police presence in London.

A few days ago, Hogan-Howe warned that an attack in the UK similar to those that have hit Europe is a case of "when, not if."

The UK's terror threat has been ranked as "severe" (meaning an attack is highly likely) for two years now but Hogan-Howe added that the recent attacks had instilled a "sense of fear" in Britain.

Hogan-Howe added that part of the armed police officers' briefing included the fact that they should remain approachable by the public: "They've not changed, but they are ready for the sort of things we've seen throughout the rest of Europe."

Recent attacks in France and Germany have resulted in the death of almost 100 people.

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