London's police showed off their guns, as their visible presence was beefed up in the capital in an attempt to reassure the public and deter any possible attack.  

Authorities said the heightened level was not in response to any specific intelligence, but is a long-term response to a spate of deadly attacks in Europe.

While the majority of London police officers do not carry firearms -- this time it's different -- they are displaying weapons in a bid to reassure the public and deter any would-be attackers. 

In July 2005 London was hit by coordinated suicide bombings that killed 52 people. 

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