London has rung in 2016 amidst increased security and a heavy, armed police presence in the Westminster area where hundreds of thousands of revellers traditionally gather for the iconic fireworks over the River Thames, Palace of Westminster, Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) and the London Eye. This year’s celebrations have been marred by the increased terrorist threat across the continent following the Paris attacks, San Bernardino attack, and hundreds of raids across Paris, Brussels, and the United Kingdom. All 2,000 of London’s firearms officers were on duty in the nation’s capital this evening. Although firearms officers have had leave cancelled for special events before, such as the Olympics, this is the first time such precautions have been taken for New Year’s Eve. PICTURES: