Security tightened in London streets

INCREASED security measures will see some of London’s most famous streets around Buckingham Palace face closures for the next three months.

The restrictions have been planned for some time, but have been brought forward in light of the Berlin lorry attack on Monday.

Constitution Hill, the Queen Victoria Memorial, Spur Road, Link Road and The Mall — up to the junction with Marlborough Road — will be closed at specific times on the days of Changing the Guard.

Additional barriers will also be in place to maintain security for the guard movements, Scotland Yard said.

Metropolitan Police Commander Simon Bray said: “The Met undertakes a range of different activities including strengthening security and high-visibility policing as part of a counter-terrorist strategy, and it will continue to take whatever action it believes is necessary to protect and reassure the public.”

Meanwhile, the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for Monday’s truck attack on a crowded Berlin Christmas market that left 12 people dead and nearly 50 injured.

The news came as German security forces hunt for the perpetrator of the attack after releasing a Pakistani man — initially suspected of driving the truck — from custody due to a lack of evidence. QUIZ ANSWERS: 1. White. 2. Michael Caine. 3. Emma Bunton. 4. Cribbage. 5. Greer Garson. 6. Dee and Don. Link: COOK.