London tests response to 'inevitable' terror strike

HUNDREDS of British police and emergency workers yesterday staged a major exercise testing their response to a terrorist strike on London, an attack that police believe is inevitable sooner or later.

The simulated chemical attack on the capital's subway system came days ahead of the second anniversary of the September 11 strikes on the United States.

British officials said their long-planned exercise, in the heart of London's financial district, was not in response to a specific threat and that no real chemical agents were being released.