London mayor Ken Livingstone has called for calm as tensions rise in the capital following the foiled terror plot.

He said Londoners and visitors to the capital must respond calmly and co-operate with authorities.

"I would ask Londoners and visitors to London to co-operate at this time so that we can go about our business as safely as possible," he said.

"Only a united London can help defeat terrorism, which means that all London's communities have their part to play.

"We can only defeat terrorism by having the best possible intelligence and the co-operation of all Londoners.

"No community in London can or should be targeted or blamed because of the actions of people who are pure criminals."

Meanwhile, This is Local London's sister newspapers have reported on the way today's dramatic foiled terror plot has affected everyday life in and around the capital.

  • HIGH WYCOMBE: A series of anti-terrorism raids have been carried out in High Wycombe today.

Addresses in Micklefield and Totteridge were raided this morning by anti-terrorism officers from the Metropolitan Police. Police were searching the houses in Micklefield Road, Walton Drive, and an area of woodland near Forest Way.

The areas were all cordoned off by police and large crowds of concerned neighbours gathered outside. People in High Wycombe have been left in the dark as the officers carry out their investigation and many are calling for an explanation.

  • WATFORD: Watford Junction was closed and evacuated today after a terror alert.

The station was shut about 2pm but reopened again within the hour, after suspicion was raised about three male passengers travelling on a train to Newcastle.

  • KENT: There is an increased police presence, including some armed officers, at key sites including the Channel ports, Eurotunnel, Manston Airport and Ashford International station.

Rail and retail centres have so far been unaffected by the UK terror threat level being raised to critical.

A statement from Southeastern Railway said: "Southeastern works closely with the British Transport Police regarding safety and security and is guided by the emergency services. Our employees will continue to remain vigilant and we ask that passengers do the same."

Ian Brookes, operations director for Serco Docklands (operator of the DLR), said: "There has been no change to security levels on the DLR as a result of today's announcements on the national threat level.

"In accordance with Transec security directives for the railways we have been working at the highest level of security since July 2005 and continue to operate with the utmost vigilance."

The Bluewater shopping centre is open and trading as usual.

"As a matter of course, we are always vigilant, and work closely with Kent Police and partner agencies to regularly review our security procedures and share intelligence," a statement from Bluewater management read.

  • HILLINGDON: Hillingdon Council's emergency management team is currently on standby to help emergency services at Heathrow airport if required.

The foiled terrorist attack at Heathrow airport has meant that Hillingdon Council's emergency teams could play a key role in any future developments.

David Holdstock, head of corporate communications for Hillingdon Council, said: "We are currently on standby and have been monitoring the situation alongside emergency services teams.

"Our emergency plans are in place but, as yet, we have not had any cause to implement them. If required we will be able to provide shelter for foreign nationals, similar to what we provided for residents last week during the Trout Road fire."