Security alert over Mumbai-style attacks

London: Security forces in Britain are urgently devising plans to thwart a possible Mumbai-style terrorist attack launched from the Thames, experts said.

A terrorism consultant said authorities were working "exceptionally hard" over fears that London is vulnerable to a similar outrage. It comes after Boris Johnson revealed that security on the river was being stepped up, with the Royal Navy and Special Boat Service commandos guarding the capital against the threat of a water-borne assault.

Fears of a terror attack on London were heightened after last month's Indian atrocity, in which at least 10 gunmen are believed to have got ashore in speedboats launched from a hijacked trawler.

Key sites close to the Thames could be targeted - including the Houses of Parliament, City banks, hotels and rail stations.