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Toronto’s Pearson airport increasing security after London attack

Officials at Toronto Pearson International Airport have announced there will be an increased security presence after Saturday's attack in London. Bruce Bennett / File / Getty Images

As officials in London continue to investigate a terrorist attack in which seven people died, Toronto Pearson International Airport has announced it’s stepping up security.

“We cannot discuss security procedures in further detail as that would contradict those measures. We do however want passengers to know that their safety is our number one priority,” a statement from the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) read Monday, adding the agency held a full-scale emergency training exercises early Saturday morning.

“[The GTAA] works diligently with airline partners and the various other agencies that operate at the airport to keep them safe.”
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READ MORE: Officials urge Canadians in London to exercise caution in wake of ‘terrorist’ attacks

The increased measures come after a series of incidents in London beginning Saturday night that saw seven people killed, including Christine Archibald from Canada. It began when a van veered off the road and barreled into pedestrians on busy London Bridge.

Three men fled the van with large knives and attacked people at bars and restaurants in nearby Borough Market, police and witnesses said. The attack unfolded quickly, and police said officers shot and killed the three attackers within eight minutes.

Investigators are still carrying out raids and are making several arrests following Saturday’s rampage and said they have identified the three attackers but have only released the names of two of them.

READ MORE: Here’s what we know about the London attackers

Khuram Shazad Butt, 27, and Rachid Redouane, 30, were identified by Metropolitan Police Monday evening.

Meanwhile, Toronto Police Const. Caroline de Kloet wouldn’t confirm if there was increased security across the city, but said measures are frequently reviewed.

“We are connected, locally, nationally and internationally with law enforcement,” she said.

“We have people who work around the clock assessing any possible threats to Toronto’s public safety, and we adjust our security arrangements whenever necessary.”

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With files from Adam Miller and The Associated Press

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