SAS TO PROTECT LONDON

Elite troops to be based in capital full-time as MPs given training by special forces

AN SAS team is to be based permanently in London in the wake of last week’s Westminster terror attack.

The elite soldiers will be placed on standby at a secret location in the centre of the capital.

They will be on “immediate notice to move” in the event of a future atrocity.

And they will stay in London for at least a year to deal with possible terror incidents, including a “marauding firearms attack” or hostage-taking.

The move is one of a string of new security measures being taken to protect the UK. Others include:

A ring of steel being erected around London landmarks

Cabinet ministers to get SAS training

All cops guarding iconic sites to be armed

MI5 to boost its recruitment drive to monitor potential lone wolf terror attacks.

Metal barriers have gone up around the centre of the capital to strengthen defences and prevent another attack.

Our security source said: “Incidents such as last Wednesday’s attack always highlight weaknesses in any security system.

“No system is perfect but it’s important that any perceived weaknesses are addressed. People need to know how to react in an emergency.”

The SAS troops selected for the London team will be able to enter buildings using explosives or “fast-rope” from helicopters on to roofs.

They will also be armed with special “take-down” bullets designed to kill instantly. The plans to move SAS officers, normally based in Hereford, came after Khalid Masood, 52, killed four people.

Yesterday, it was also revealed that the SAS will train MPs in how to react to a terror attack.

Plans for new escape tactics came after footage emerged showing armed police scrambling to evacuate PM Theresa May moments after the attack.

The outrage will also see plainclothes armed police officers sta- tioned outside major London landmarks.

And MI5 is believed to be reviewing its intelligence gathering in the wake of the attack.

A source said: “This is not the first time that a terrorist who was on MI5’s radar has carried out a criminal act.

“At the moment MI5 are working 24/7 trying to establish whether this attack is a one off or the first part of a wider plan.”

The special forces boost was revealed as calls grew last night for security at Westminster to be stepped up. Former Scotland Yard boss Lord Blair said the “soft” security at the gates of Parliament needed toughening to match measures inside.

Yesterday, the first visible signs of increased security came as metal barriers and bollards were erected around Westminster.

Meanwhile, the number of bobbies on the beat has doubled nationwide since Wednesday.