Armed police are to travel on London Underground for the first time since the aftermath of the 7/7 bombings to provide reassurance to the public over potential terror threats, it has been reported.

British Transport Police (BTP) bosses say firearms officers will use the Tube network to travel between jobs, rather than using cars and vans to get around the capital, the Evening Standard said.

Armed patrols are not specifically being deployed to the Underground, though firearms police are regularly seen at mainline overground stations such as Victoria, Waterloo and King's Cross.

Dog units would also use the Underground to move around London under the proposals.

It comes after a teenager was charged in relation to the discovery of a suspicious device at North Greenwich Underground station last week.

The plan has yet to be ratified by City Hall and Transport for London, but would mean people would see armed officers travelling on the Tube on a daily basis.

BTP's Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Hanstock said: "They will stand out and people will see them. We hope they will provide a reassurance that they are there and are able to respond whatever the threat may be."

Armed police were temporarily deployed to the train and Tube network following the 7/7 terrorist bombings in 2005.