London Marathon: Extra police on duty

More than 35,000 runners are due to take part in the race, which starts in Blackheath, south-east London.

A 30-second silence will be held at the start line for the three people killed and more than 170 others injured by the bombs at the Boston Marathon on Monday.

The Met Police says 40% more officers will be on duty than last year.

The force said that it had reviewed security plans after the Boston attacks and that the extra officers would be used for "for reassurance patrols".

The marathon route, which is lined by hundreds of thousands of spectators each year, finishes near Buckingham Palace, passing some of London's most recognisable landmarks, including Tower Bridge and Big Ben.

Ch Supt Julia Pendry, who has headed marathon security for five years, has said this year's police operation is "about making sure that people who come to London on Sunday feel safe when they are in the city".

She said more search dogs would be deployed and urged marathon spectators to keep their belongings with them to avoid sparking security alerts, Kazinform has learnt from BBC News.

But she added: "There is no link between the Boston Marathon and the London Marathon and there is no change to the threat level at this time to London."

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