London tube attack claimed by ISIS pushes UK to increase terror threat level to critical

Friday morning's blast at the Parsons Green station of the London tube left as many as 29 people injured. The explosion took place on a packed rush-hour commuter train.

The police confirmed that Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was used in London underground train attack. The bomb, which apparently failed to detonate properly, was the fifth major terrorism attack in Britain this year and was claimed by the Islamic State group.

People are saying this was the cause of the London Tube explosion. Hope everyone is ok �� pic.twitter.com/hR4pGgtdBD

- Diane Abbott (@DianeAbbottUK) September 15, 2017

The London metro carried several school children and other commuters.

Reuters

In the wake of the London metro blast, the UK terror threat was increased from severe to critical as police continue to hunt the person who attempted to bring the carnage to the London rush-hour tube train.

PRIME MINISTER THERESA MAY SPEAKS

In a televised statement on Friday night, Prime Minister Theresa May said the UK terror threat level was being raised to its highest rating and that armed police and members of the military would be seen on the streets in the coming days.

Raising the national threat level to maximum also suggests that another terror attack in the UK may be looming large.

"For this period, military personnel will replace police officers on guard duties at certain protected sites that are not accessible to the public.

"The public will see more armed police on the transport network and on our streets, providing extra protection. This is a proportionate and sensible step which will provide extra reassurance and protection while the investigation progresses," the Guardian quoted May as saying.

POLICE HUNT FOR SUSPECT

Britain has deployed hundreds of soldiers at strategic sites on Saturday to free up police to hunt those behind a bomb which injured 29 people on a packed commuter train in London and triggered the country's highest security level.

Reuters

The attack at Parsons Green tube station prompted the UK government to take the rare step of deploying the soldiers.

Britain's most senior counter-terrorism officer Mark Rowley said late on Friday that the investigation was progressing well.

"We are chasing down suspects," he said.

"Hundreds of police officers are pursuing numerous lines of enquiry, trawling through hours of CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses."  

The Metropolitan Police force says police "are making fast-time inquiries to establish who was responsible and are working closely with the security services."

US PRESIDENT TRUMP BLASTED

The US President Donald Trump blasted the "loser terrorists" behind the train attack in London.

"Another attack in London by a loser terrorist. These are sick and demented people who were in the sights of Scotland Yard. Must be proactive!"

Another attack in London by a loser terrorist.These are sick and demented people who were in the sights of Scotland Yard. Must be proactive!

- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 15, 2017

He then added, "Loser terrorists must be dealt with in a much tougher manner," without giving details of what that meant.

"The internet is their main recruitment tool which we must cut off & use better!" he added.

FRANCE, BRITAIN AND GERMANY

German and French leaders said on September 15 that the attack on the London subway train only strengthens their determination to increase international cooperation in fighting terrorism.

Reuters

Chancellor Angela Merkel said after meeting with French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe in Berlin on Friday, "Our thoughts are of course with the wounded, our thoughts are with the British population."

Mr Philippe said the London bomb and an attempt early Friday by a knife-wielding assailant to attack a soldier at a Paris subway interchange "show how much we collectively, in France, Britain and also in Germany, face a major threat."