SUPER COPS How masked Counter-Terrorism officers clad in Kevlar body armour and equipped with an arsenal of weapons including ASSAULT RIFLES swooped on London terror scene

The CTSFO were yesterday deployed to their first significant attack since their formation as part of the Metropolitan Police in 2015

THEY’RE the heavily-armed SAS-style units who were established to combat the direct threat of terrorism against the UK.

And the Counter-Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officers (CTSFO) were yesterday deployed to their first significant attack since their formation as part of the Metropolitan Police in 2015.

The elite group of cops swooped in six minutes after an attacker mowed down about a dozen pedestrians on London’s Westminster Bridge in a grey Hyundai.

Two people were killed, including mum Aysha Frade, and approximately 29 others were injured.

The vehicle then crashed into railings surrounding New Palace Yard and the assailant was seen running through the gates of the Palace of Westminster with a knife.

He stabbed unarmed policeman PC Keith Palmer, 48, to death, before being shot dead by armed officers.

The role of the CTSFO is to protect and respond to any terrorist attack in the UK.

Clad in grey Kevlar body armour they carry state-of-the-art weapons including sniper rifles, SIG MCX Carbine assault rifles, handguns, Glock 17 pistols, submachine guns and tasers.

In London, they can be deployed by air (via helicopter), by boat and by road, often by BMW GS8000 motorbikes.

The bikes boast long suspensions and high ground clearance to make it easier to mount curbs and drive off-road.

F800GS bikes are powered by 798cc 4-stroke twin cylinder engines that develop 85 horse power and a top speed of 140mph.

CTSFOs also carry state-of-the art support gear including battering rams and heavy duty cutting equipment. Extra ammunition is also stowed in pouches on their vests.

The officers are masked in order to protect their identity from attackers, which can help in a variety of different circumstances - from hostage situations, targeted attacks to kidnap attempts.

They wear combat helmets to protect their heads and goggles to shield their eyes.

Becoming a CTSFO involves extensive training.

After spending two years as a regular officer, the policeman can then move up to become an Authorised Firearms Officer (AFO).

After two years’ service in this role they become eligible to train as a Specialist Firearms Officer (SFO).

Further training to qualify as a CTSFO includes fast-roping from helicopters, crawling through pipes in full body gear, storming buildings and hostage rescue.