Police To Patrol Tube Stations Following Parson's Green Incident

The fire on the rush hour tube was terrorist attack

Image from Merton Conservative Councillor Dan Holden (@DanHolden85)

Police are to step up patrols around tube and train stations following the incident at Parson's Green, which is believed to be terrorist related.

Police arrested an 18-year old teenager near Dover, following the explosion and fire which injured over twenty commuters. The incident led to delays on some services of the District Line.

Police now intend to step up patrols at train and tube stations across London.

Councillor Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council said:"Following the terrorist incident at Parsons Green yesterday [Friday 15th September] we urge communities in Hounslow to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to the police immediately.

"If you see something that doesn’t feel right, you should tell a member of rail staff or a police officer what you have seen. You can use the anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321, or in an emergency, always call 999.

"The independent Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has raised the threat level from international to terrorism to critical. This means that their assessment is not only that a terrorist attack is highly likely but that a further attack may be imminent. Military personnel have been drafted in protect national infrastructure sites, allowing additional armed police officers to carry out patrols.

"We can expect to see more officers, both armed and unarmed, on patrol by foot and in vehicles over the weekend. In particular, they will be patrolling at crowded places, iconic sites, transport hubs and ports. This may mean disruption for those who are travelling. The public are asked to be patient and plan ahead, allowing time for delays.

"Police are reviewing the security of events across the UK and working with businesses and organisers to make events as secure as possible. Security checks at events will be enhanced, so people attending events should arrive early and allow extra time for these checks."

Armed police and the bomb squad were called to the scene after reports of an explosion from a bag towards the rear of the train at around 8.20am.

Eye witnesses said people on the busy train suffered facial burns and other commuters were trampled on in the rush to get out of the station. At least twenty people have been taken to hospital with injuries.

Several ambulances were soon at the incident, and witnesses reported people being treated for head and leg injuries.

Fulham Road was closed between Munster Road and North End Road. Parsons Green Lane was also closed northbound at New Kings Road.

The District Line from Wimbledon to Earls Court was immediately suspended, and it was later extended to Edgware Road.

The police are appealing for anyone with images from the scene to upload them to ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk.

Police later confirmed they suspected the incident was terror-related. They tweeted: "The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command are investigating after the incident at #ParsonsGreen tube station is declared a terrorist incident".

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has issued a statement. He said: As London has proved time and time again we will never be intimidated or defeated by terrorism".

Hounslow Police Borough Commander Raj Kohli said in a statement that patrols would be stepped up across the borough, particularly at train and tube stations;

"Hounslow Police have increased the numbers of officers on the streets and the public will see an enhanced presence at train stations and other transport hubs in addition to other locations which have a huge footfall of public. The officers are there to protect the public and no one should be alarmed at their presence. We urge the public to remain calm but alert and if you have any concerns, see or hear anything suspicious then contact police.

"Anyone who has information that would assist detectives is urged to contact the hotline 0800 789 321; if it's an emergency always call 999."

September 15, 2017