Scotland Yard has said it is to review its plans for protecting public events over Christmas and New Year following the “awful incidents” in Berlin and Ankara.
12 people were killed and 48 injured in Germany after a truck ploughed into a Christmas market.
On the same day, the Russian ambassador to Ankara was shot dead by a gunman during a live press conference.
Londoners have expressed fears the Winter Wonderland pop-up in Hyde Park could be targeted in the wake of the attacks. As well as a theme park, it features a Christmas market of over 200 Bavarian-style wooden chalets.
Terry Parrot tweeted London Mayor Sadiq Khan to ask: “I hope you have checked that Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park has the necessary barricades in place?”
Others reported seeing “heavily armed police” nearby and speculated as to whether the officers were en route to the attraction.
The Mayor said: “I want to reassure Londoners and those visiting our city over Christmas that the Metropolitan Police will review all security plans in London in light of last night’s events, and that keeping everyone safe remains the highest priority for the Met commissioner and for me.”
Official online literature states: “Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has a robust security management plan, which is coordinated by event security and the Metropolitan Police. Security checks will be in place throughout the event, including bag searches, which may result in delays when entering the site. We ask all guests to be vigilant and not to leave bags and belongings unattended.”
A Winter Wonderland spokesman said: “In light of the events in Berlin we have considered our security plans with the Metropolitan Police and they continue to be robust and appropriate. Our thoughts are with those in Berlin and their families.”
Greater Manchester Police said it had strengthened its policing presence at Manchester Christmas Markets and steeped up visible patrols.
Assistant Chief Constable Debbie Ford said: “I would like to stress at this point that there is absolutely no information or intelligence suggesting any attack is imminent in Greater Manchester.”
Avon and Somerset Constabulary cited the following comment from a spokesman for the National Police Chiefs’ Council: “The UK threat level remains unchanged at Severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.
“Our activities and intelligence are under constant review to respond to threats and we will share information appropriately with partners and relevant business sectors.
“Our principle advice to the public all year round is to be alert but not alarmed. We advise everyone to remain vigilant and to report any concerns to the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999.
“In addition, Run, Hide, Tell is the easy-to-remember message that explains what people should do if they are confronted by terrorists. First ‘Run’ to a place of safety. This is a far better option than trying to surrender or negotiate. If there is nowhere to run then ‘hide’. It is better to hide than confront. Remember to turn your phone to silent and turn off vibrate. Barricade yourself in if you can. Then finally, and only when it is safe to do so, ‘tell’ by calling police on 999.”