New photo Scotland Yard considers sending armed foot patrols to tackle gang violence

The Met Police is considering sending out armed foot patrols around crime hotspots in London to battle gang violence.

Scotland Yard commissioner Cressida Dick said the 'extreme circumstances' would be a reaction to 'serious outbreaks of violence'.

Patrols would be made up of officers currently serving in armed response vehicles that provide support to neighbourhood teams in the capital and can be deployed at any time.

Speaking at the London Assembly police and crime committee, Ms Dick said it would only be a small change to the roles armed officers currently play.

The Met Police could deploy armed foot patrols around London to combat the wave of violent crime, Commissioner Cressida Dick said (file picture)

According to the Evening Standard, she said: 'We are not doing this by stealth. It would only be done in unusual circumstances.'

The plan was criticised by Labour member Len Duvall, who said armed patrols on ordinary streets could 'sneak out and become the norm' and questioned why there had not been more consultation.

Ms Dick said some consultation had started in London and the aims was to 'enhance public and unarmed officer safety' and 'improve, not hinder, community confidence'.

An email seen by the Standard said Armed Response Vehicle (ARV) patrols are an option for the Met but are not 'routinely used' due to the 'potential for adverse community impact'.

A spokesman for the Met Police confirmed its tactics were 'under constant review' as part of its aim to tackle serious violence.

The spokesman said: 'Currently officers across the boroughs and Violent Crime Taskforce are supported by colleagues from specialist units such as the Territorial Support Group and the Specialist Firearms Command (SCO19). 

'One tactical option available within SCO19 would be to deploy armed foot patrols.

'The Met recognises the significant change in tasking officers in this way and the impact it may have on our communities. 

'As such an email was sent to our independent community group, the Firearms and Taser Reference Group, for their initial views on how they believe their community may perceive such patrols. No decision has been made.'

Ms Dick said armed patrols would only be used in 'unusual' and 'extreme' circumstances

Police firearms operations across the UK rose by 19 per cent in the past year as the number of armed officers was increased amid the growing threat from terrorism and violent crime.

Home Office statistics revealed such operations in England and Wales had reached their highest level in seven years. 

Police in England and Wales carried out 18,746 armed operations in 2017-18.

Officers opened fire on 12 occasions, up from 10 the previous year, including the fatal shooting of three terrorists to stop the London Bridge attack in June 2017.

It would not be the first time armed foot patrols have taken to the streets in London.

In 2009 Scotland Yard mobilised such teams in Haringey and Lambeth in a pilot scheme in response to rising gun crime.

But the move was scrapped after it provoked outrage over a lack of consultation with councils. 

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News Pictures Scotland Yard considers sending armed foot patrols to tackle gang violence

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