ARMED police could soon be patrolling the railway network for the first time, it was revealed yesterday.
British Transport Police chiefs want to create a firearms unit to help fight the threat of terrorism.
Chief Constable Andrew Trotter has asked the Government to change the law so teams of trained marksmen could be deployed at railways. A decision is expected within weeks.
It is thought they would carry Heckler and Koch MP5 carbines and Glock 9mm self-loading pistols and be based at key stations and the London Underground.
Police fear a terrorist group could attempt a Mumbai-style terror atrocity at a busy railway station.
A BTP spokeswoman said: “The Government has said its number one priority is the protection of its citizens.
“We are reviewing how we go about our work to prevent terrorist attacks and are discussing a range of security options around crowded places.”
BTP officers currently have to call their nearest police force to send armed support if necessary.