Elite 'Hercules' robocops storm down train tracks at Parsons Green in wake of tube terror attack - Mirror Online
The squad of highly-trained marksmen are decked out with bullet proof vests, ballistic helmets and automatic sub machine guns
Elite 'Hercules' robocops have swarmed Parsons Green station in the wake of an explosion on a packed rush-hour tube.
Commuters fled in terror after a blast sent a "fireball" and a "wall of flame" through the District Line London Underground train this morning.
Emergency services rushed to the scene at Parsons Green station after being alerted at around 8.20am.
The heavily-armed 'robocops' appeared at the station decked out in bullet proof vests and ballistic helmets.
Armed with automatic sub machine guns, pistols and heavy duty military-grade equipment, including sniper rifles, the squad were pictured storming up train tracks in the area.
The highly-trained marksmen are protected with massive riot shields and kevlar body armour and are able to speed to a potential deadly attack on high-speed BMW GS800 scramblers.
The elite officers standing outside Parsons Green tube station in London (Image: REUTERS)
The armed cops were pictured running down tracks in west London (Image: Sky News)
Armed policemen stand by cordon outside Parsons Green tube station in London (Image: REUTERS)
Metropolitan Police Service commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe and London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced the start of Operation Hercules earlier this year.
Ambulance crews are on the scene treating around 20 people who were injured in the blast this morning.
Natasha Wills, assistant director of operations at London Ambulance Service, said: "We have sent multiple resources to the scene including single responders in cars, ambulance crews, incident response officers and our hazardous area response team."
One commuter described a 'fireball' which engulfed the train after tweeting an image of a Lidl bag on fire - which is suspected to have contained the device.
He said: "Explosion on Parsons Green district line train. Fireball flew down carriage and we just jumped out open door."
The elite officers stand guard on the road near Parsons Green tube station (Image: REUTERS)
The full list of what the armed marksmen are kitted out with (Image: PA)
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: "Six fire engines, two fire rescue unit and around 50 firefighters and specialist officers are currently attending an incident at Parsons Green Tube station.
"The brigade was called at 08:21. Fire crews from Fulham, Wandsworth, Chelsea, Hammersmith and other surrounding fire stations are in attendance."
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Officers attended with British Transport Police along with London Fire and Ambulance.
The cops are able to speed to a potential deadly attack on high-speed scramblers (Image: PA)
Britain's terror threat has been at 'severe' for 18 months, and Sir Bernard said it "would be foolish for us to ignore" the recent terror attacks across Europe.
They are armed with automatic sub machine guns and pistols (Image: PA)
Operation Hercules kick started earlier this year (Image: PA)
The officers have been described as 'heroes' (Image: PA)
Despite the fact they are carrying guns, they are still police officers (Image: PA)
Elite 'Hercules' robocops storm down train tracks at Parsons Green in wake of tube terror attack - Mirror Online
The squad of highly-trained marksmen are decked out with bullet proof vests, ballistic helmets and automatic sub machine guns
Elite 'Hercules' robocops have swarmed Parsons Green station in the wake of an explosion on a packed rush-hour tube.
Commuters fled in terror after a blast sent a "fireball" and a "wall of flame" through the District Line London Underground train this morning.
Emergency services rushed to the scene at Parsons Green station after being alerted at around 8.20am.
The heavily-armed 'robocops' appeared at the station decked out in bullet proof vests and ballistic helmets.
Armed with automatic sub machine guns, pistols and heavy duty military-grade equipment, including sniper rifles, the squad were pictured storming up train tracks in the area.
The highly-trained marksmen are protected with massive riot shields and kevlar body armour and are able to speed to a potential deadly attack on high-speed BMW GS800 scramblers.
The elite officers standing outside Parsons Green tube station in London (Image: REUTERS)
The armed cops were pictured running down tracks in west London (Image: Sky News)
Armed policemen stand by cordon outside Parsons Green tube station in London (Image: REUTERS)
Metropolitan Police Service commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe and London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced the start of Operation Hercules earlier this year.
Ambulance crews are on the scene treating around 20 people who were injured in the blast this morning.
Natasha Wills, assistant director of operations at 
London Ambulance Service, said: "We have sent multiple resources to the scene including single responders in cars, ambulance crews, incident response officers and our hazardous area response team."
One commuter described a 'fireball' which engulfed the train after tweeting an image of a Lidl bag on fire - which is suspected to have contained the device.
He said: "Explosion on Parsons Green district line train. Fireball flew down carriage and we just jumped out open door."
The elite officers stand guard on the road near Parsons Green tube station (Image: REUTERS)
The full list of what the armed marksmen are kitted out with (Image: PA)
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: "Six fire engines, two fire rescue unit and around 50 firefighters and specialist officers are currently attending an incident at Parsons Green Tube station.
"The brigade was called at 08:21. Fire crews from Fulham, Wandsworth, Chelsea, Hammersmith and other surrounding fire stations are in attendance."
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Officers attended with British Transport Police along with London Fire and Ambulance.
The cops are able to speed to a potential deadly attack on high-speed scramblers (Image: PA)
Britain's terror threat has been at 'severe' for 18 months, and Sir Bernard said it "would be foolish for us to ignore" the recent terror attacks across Europe.
They are armed with automatic sub machine guns and pistols (Image: PA)
Operation Hercules kick started earlier this year (Image: PA)
The officers have been described as 'heroes' (Image: PA)
Despite the fact they are carrying guns, they are still police officers (Image: PA)