The Community Security Trust has increased security in London this weekend following a spate of terror attacks across Europe.

Mark Gardener, director of communications at CST, told the JC, "CST saw fit to increase security, due to recent terrorist related events in Britain and Europe.

“We stress that we are in the closest possible dialogue and partnership with Police, and that the patrols are a response to the general situation, rather than any specific intelligence."

Joe, 55, said he "felt concerned" when he noticed an increased presence in Golders Green where he lives, but was "also happy to see that there was a security presence on our streets".

Esther said she noticed more security but was unsure "what they would really be able to do" in an emergency.

The 24-year-old said: "Yesterday I saw two of them - an older man and a young girl. I'm grateful for their communal service, but how exactly would they be of use in combatting a terrorist threat?"

Security in the capital was upped after an Israeli tourist was injured in a stabbing attack in central London. An American woman was murdered in the attack in Russell Square on Thursday.

Yovel Lewkowski, 18, from Tel Aviv, described how she watched in horror as the knife-wielding attacker went on the rampage.

On her Facebook page she wrote that the American victim, 62-year-old Darlene Horton, “perished in front of my eyes” in a “matter of seconds”

A 19-year-old man, who is a Norwegian national of Somali origin, was arrested on suspicion of murder, after a Taser was used to detain him.

Police said mental health was a "significant factor" in the incident.