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The Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police has that calls for the army to get involved in policing London's streets "wouldn't be appropriate".

It comes after Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the military "stand ready" and "would always be ready to respond" to calls to help tackle the crisis if needed.

But being quizzed by London Assembly members this morning Sir Stephen House that while he was aware of the request said he didn't think the army were needed.

Responding to questions Deputy Commissioner House said: “I am not it the view we need the army involved.

“I don’t think that is their role in the UK.

(Image: Jack Taylor)

“We are all concerned about the violence, homicide rate and knife crime in general.

“If the army were brought in, and I don’t think they should be, I think it would cause more alarm for Londoners actually."

Twenty people have been mudered so far in London this year, and ten teenagers have been stabbed across the UK.

Asked about sending the army to help the tackle the crisis last night Mr Williamson said the armed forces "stand ready" if needed.

He added: “As we look at all of this, obviously our thoughts and prayers are with those family and friends of those who have lost someone.

“I know that the Home Secretary is looking very closely at how he can ensure that everything is done to tackle this problem at the moment.”

No formal request for assistance from the armed forces has been made, but yesterday Met Commissioner Cressida Dick seemed to suggest she would be willing to have troops aid in the police effort.

But Deputy Commissioner House said even if they were deployed he would prefer to heavily limit their role.

He said: "The sort of thing I would see them doing would be an open country search on a heath if we were looking for a weapon.

(Image: PA)

“But I don’t see them doing a patrol or response reaction. I don’t think that would be appropriate.”

Sir Stephen also defended his boss Cressida Dick over claims she needed to get a grip of the violence on London's streets.

He said: “I hear politicians and the media saying Cressida has got to get a grip I have to be clear on this.

“I have been a chief constable since 2007 and and I was an assistant commissioner in the Met before that.

“I’ve not seen a closer grip than we are seeing now

“I’m proud of the work we do in London and I am proud to work for Cress.

“I have never seen such an inspirational leader."

Asked if he backed Commissioner Dick in linking the rise in violent crime to police cuts, a trend Theresa May has tried to deny, he said: "One hundred percent".