London Police Ready For Tour De France Start

The London Metropolitan police will provide tight security when the Tour de France starts in the British capital on Saturday.

The London Metropolitan police will provide tight security when the Tour de France starts in the British capital on Saturday following last week's failed car bombings.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the 7.9-km prologue in the streets of London with the riders passing by many of the city's monuments such as Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge.

On Friday, police found two car bombs packed with petrol, gas and nails in London's teeming theatre district.

Earlier on Tuesday, transport police closed Barons Court and Hammersmith underground train stations, Hammersmith bus station and several roads after a suspect package was found in the west London area.

"We have thoroughly reviewed the policing plans for all events over the coming days, including the Tour de France, to ensure that they are fit for purpose," said the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

"An appropriate policing plan will be in place. Enhanced policing continues across the Capital.

"The MPS is well versed in delivering the policing of high profile events and this is well within our capacity to deliver."

"Officers from the three London forces, MPS, British Transport Police and City of London , are working closely together to ensure the police presence is replicated across the Capital," MPS added.

Tour de France organisers declined to comment on the matter, saying they were fully trusting the local police force to keep a high level of security ahead of the start of the world's greatest cycling race.

The Tour de France prologue will start from Trafalgar Square, two years to the day after attacks in London killed 52 commuters on London transport.