Terrorists could break into Parliament and kill 100 people in under FIVE minutes, secret security checks reveal
TERRORISTS could break into Parliament and stage a massacre in under five minutes, secret security checks have revealed.
Gaping holes in the building’s supposedly fortress-like perimeter were exposed in a simulated attack.
Anti-terror cops fear the lapse would give intruders enough time to kill at least 100 people - probably including the most powerful men and woman in Britain.
An urgent review of how the Palace of Westminster is protected has been ordered in the wake of the shock findings.
The building’s security was tested when officers posing as extremists used a boat to gain access in the middle of the night.
They navigated the corridors and stormed the House of Commons chamber in an exercise that could have caused mass casualties if replicated in real life.
The drill took place when Parliament was on holiday earlier this year, with the vast majority of MPs and peers being kept in the dark about the results.
But sources familiar with the incident gave accounts after being shocked by the security weaknesses.
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One said the public would be “horrified” if they knew what had happened, while another warned: “We are sitting ducks.”
The dramatic outcome of the “resilience test” can be revealed as part of a probe on Parliament’s security, five months after the Westminster terror attacked.
An official reviewer has recommended installing a barrier in the river to stop boats approaching Parliament.
An armed guard has also been posted at entrances from the river to stop anyone gaining access illegally.
A stretch of perimeter fencing just over 3ft high has been flagged as a security risk amid fears terrorists could jump over it.
More than 15,000 security passes will be reissued after officials accepted the current system had loopholes.
A spokesperson for the Houses of Parliament said: “The security of Members, staff and the visiting public is our highest priority.
"While we cannot comment on the specifics of our security, we work closely with the police, security services and others to ensure that our security measures are effective and meet whatever level of security risk Parliament faces.
"These measures are always, and will continue to be, under constant review.”
Security around London’s landmarks was back in the spotlight this weekend after a man was arrested brandishing a 4ft sword outside Buckingham Palace.