Vigilance and more cops are key

THE ideological agenda of the perpetrators of this attack are still to be determined, but we know Islamic State has been calling for attacks on public transportation systems.

The unsophisticated device may not provide many clues, as it could have been constructed by someone who simply followed instructions given over secure messaging networks.

There is a strong possibility it was carried out by someone inspired by IS BY SAJJAN GOHEL, INTERNATIONAL SECURITY DIRECTOR OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC FOUNDATION

as opposed to directly by IS. There is little that can be done to stop an attack such as this. You cannot screen every single person using a mass-transit system like the London Underground. It’s just not viable.

How do you stop someone building an improvised device in their bedroom and strolling on to a Tube train?

Vigilance is so important. If you see something suspicious, alert the authorities. Also, front-line policing has been cut since 2011. Officers in communities are often the first line in alerting those higher up about people who could pose a danger.

They are also more approachable to others in the community who may be concerned about a group or individual.