So a quick peek out of my 6th floor window reveal 3 police offers heading south (sorry from my distance and rear view - I couldn't tell if they were armed) and many, many more people seemingly going about their business. No one looking particularly 'cowed or alarmed' - flitting in and out of doorways etc.

Would I bring my children in to London just 'to look at the armed police'? Probably no. Are the going to see Take That at the O2 tomorrow? Yes. Obviously there a concern - there is every time they leave the house - but its kind of like the mayor said, I think you need not to be cowed and carry on your life as normal, otherwise you're handing victory to these shithead individuals?