Sunday, 7 September, 2003, 06:20 GMT 07:20 UK
Terror test for London

No real chemicals will be used in the test

London's ability to cope with a terrorist strike will be tested as a mock chemical attack is carried out on the Tube on Sunday.

The exercise will not involve members of the public or real chemicals, but is designed to test the response of the police, ambulance and fire services to a terrorist attack.

The scenario acted out will be that of a chemical released on a busy train from Waterloo to Bank Tube station, in the heart of the City of London.

Sixty police cadets will play the part of victims who will be decontaminated on the street as part of a major counter-terrorism exercise on the Waterloo and City Line.

Now we have to be prepared for any eventuality and any emergency London mayor Ken Livingstone

It will be the first time a live operation of this kind has been carried out and will also be the first time the decontamination units have been seen in public.

The exercise will begin when the driver reports the attack and stops the train in a tunnel just outside Bank station.

Firefighters and paramedics will then recover the 'casualties', bring them to street level and decontaminate them in special shower tents.

The streets around Bank station will be cordoned off on Sunday and staff at University College Hospital will also be involved.

'Protective clothing'

Passengers will arrive at the hospital later saying that they feel unwell and will be treated by medical staff in protective clothing.

The exercise is expected to last several hours.

Other Tube lines which run through Bank station will operate as normal on Sunday, but will not stop at Bank.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling, London mayor Ken Livingstone, Minister for London Nick Raynsford and Home Office minister Beverley Hughes will be at the scene to observe the incident.

Mr Livingstone said: "For the last 30 years Londoners have had to live with the possibility of the car bomb.

"We have had to be vigilant, but we have also got on with our lives.

"Now we have to be prepared for any eventuality and any emergency."