Inside the highly-trained Special Forces squad dubbed Blue Thunder, deployed after London attacks

INSIDE the highly-trained Special Forces squad dubbed Blue Thunder, deployed in the wake of the London attacks.

Counter terrorism officers march near the scene of the London terrorist attack. Picture: Dan Kitwood LIVE: London attack declared as terrorism

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HIGHLY-trained Special Forces troops in a unit dubbed “Blue Thunder” were flown into central London immediately after the terrorist attack.

Members of the counter-terrorism squad within the SAS were dropped on to London Bridge by their unmarked dark blue helicopter that has inspired their nickname.

The unit of 70 elite soldiers was set up in 2015 to respond to terrorist attacks where the perpetrators are still at large.

They were dropped at the starting point of the killers’ rampage, where a van ploughed into pedestrians and three men attacked people with knives.

Members of the counter-terrorism squad within the SAS were dropped on to London Bridge by their unmarked dark blue helicopter. Picture: AFP

Police swarmed areas near London Bridge and Borough Market in the heart of the British capital Saturday. Picture: AP

Amid fears at least one of the terrorists was on the loose, the troops quickly scoured the area surrounding the bridge, Borough High Street and the Borough Market where people had been attacked in bars and restaurant.

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The death toll stands at seven and a further 48 injured, police said.

The three attackers — who were shouting “This is for Allah” — were shot dead by armed police within eight minutes of 999 calls.

Police officers and members of the emergency services attend to a person injured in a terror attack in London. Picture: AFP

Police urged people to run and hide as a terrorist attack took place in London. Picture: EPA

Other special forces troops were seen storming past police cordons to search the vicinity.

People were searched and ordered to stand with their hands on their heads as police feared one of the attackers may have tried to hide in the crowd.

It is reported to be the first time the unit was deployed in the aftermath of an attack in London.

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One of the attackers, wearing a fake explosives vest, was shot dead. Picture: Instagram/Gabriele Sciotto

The government sent armed forces onto streets, beaches and major events around the UK in the weekend after the Manchester bombing.

The elite squad, which reports directly to counter-terrorism police, has been rehearsing their reaction to possible terrorist attacks for months.

These scenarios include lone wolf attacks and gangs of terrorists.

The helicopter was reportedly flown from one of the unit’s bases in Hereford in the west of England.

An Apache helicopter gunship, which can relay live pictures to commanders on the ground, is used to support the troops.

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Originally published as Inside the highly-trained Special Forces squad dubbed Blue Thunder, deployed after London attacks