Sky News poll: Most British people think police should be armed

Counterterrorism officers patrol the area near the attack on London Bridge. (Photo: Getty Images)

Counterterrorism officers patrol the area near the attack on London Bridge. (Photo: Getty Images)

A new poll conducted by Sky News has found that most British citizens think police should routinely carry firearms while on duty.

Approximately 72 percent of those surveyed thought police should routinely carry firearms, while 20 percent said police should not be routinely armed.

If those who answered “neither” or “don’t know” are excluded, those who think police should be armed jumps up to 78 percent, while 22 percent remain in opposition.

Sky News reported the poll was conducted after the most recent terror attack in London, in which three attackers rammed a vehicle onto the London Bridge and stabbed people in the nearby Borough Market. Seven people were killed in the attack and 48 others were wounded.

Most Londoners were also in favor of routinely arming police officers, with 68 percent in agreement and 25 percent opposed.

Fewer than 5 percent of police officers in England and Wales carry firearms, Quartz reported. Out of the 124,000 police officers employed in the two territories, 5,600 are authorized firearms officers.

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