That's the first thing I said to my husband when I heard it on the radio this morning.
His reply, "Well I guess they changed that rule."
Later I read they were plainclothes policemen.
I don't think the bobbies carry guns in general, but apparently more and more British police do--undercover officers, their version of SWAT teams, etc. The criminals over there are increasing their firepower drastically despite the draconian gun bans, and the police have to compensate. The only ones left defenseless are the law-abiding citizens.
}:-)4