Heavily armed police officers carrying assault rifles have begun patrolling Sydney 's streets in an unprecedented security operation introduced in the wake of last December's deadly Bondi Beach shooting.

The Armed Response Command (ARC), which officially began operations on Sunday, will deploy specially trained officers across tourist hotspots, crowded public spaces, sporting venues, major events and places of worship in New South Wales (NSW).

The patrols, the first of their kind in Australia, are designed to deter potential attackers and enable police to respond more rapidly to serious threats, including armed assaults. The state government has committed A$94.3m (£50m) to establish the unit, which will eventually comprise 250 officers and 28 civilian staff, supported by a round-the-clock operations centre, reported SBS News.

Officers will travel in specially equipped vehicles and carry Australian Combat Assault Rifles, selected after field and endurance testing, according to NSW Police.…