Poland Beefs Up Security at Train Stations, Airports Following London Blasts

WARSAW, Poland (AP) -- Authorities in Poland - a U.S. ally in Iraq - increased security Thursday in the wake of the attacks in London and put soldiers serving abroad on increased alert.

''We have strengthened security measures at the Warsaw metro, at all train stations and airports throughout Poland,'' said Alicja Hytrek, a spokeswoman for Poland's national police.

Deputy Defense Minister Janusz Zemke said soldiers - especially those in flashpoints such as Iraq and Afghanistan - had been put on high alert, which included requirements for them to wear protective gear and helmets.

Poland heads a multinational security and training force in Iraq.

Poland's Foreign Ministry also urged its citizens not to travel to London, citing transport chaos following the string of attacks on the city's bus and subway systems.

National airline LOT said passengers with tickets purchased for flights between Warsaw and London over the next seven days could postpone their departures dates without charge.

After news broke of the London blasts, lawmakers in parliament's lower house stood in silence to pay homage to the victims and people began placing candles at the gate of the British Embassy.

Despite the increased security, leaders stressed they have no reason to fear that Poland could be targeted next.

''We have no signals which would be of concern,'' the deputy prime minister, Izabela Jaruga-Nowacka, told reporters.