London firms told to prepare for attack

LONDON, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Scotland Yard says London is at risk of a commando-style raid similar to the one in Mumbai, where terrorists occupied hotels and killed hostages.

"Mumbai is coming to London," a senior detective said in a security forum covered by The Sunday Times of London.

Terrorist "chatter" captured by intelligence agencies has increased in recent weeks leading police to believe there is a definite plot to attack London, the Times reported.

Hotels and other firms should prepare for a raid "involving a small number of gunmen with handguns and improvised explosive devices," said the detective, who was not identified by the Times.

The threat is "very real," confirmed Patrick Mercer, head of the House of Commons counter-terrorism sub-committee.

In Mumbai, 174 people were killed and more than 300 injured when gunmen raided hotels and cafes in November 2008.