Armed police patrol Churchill Square in wake of terror attack

Police have been patrolling Churchill Square with guns this morning after a bomb exploded in Parsons Green tube station in Fulham yesterday.

Prime Minister Theresa May raised the terror threat to critical – meaning it is feared the country is at imminent risk of another attack.

Armed police are on duty across the country this weekend in busy public places while the army have been called in to free up officers the patrols and guard places like train and power stations or football stadiums.  

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry, head of operations command, said: “Our top priority for Sussex is to ensure the safety of the public and in response to the increased national threat level we have increased our armed policing capabilities across both counties and continue to carry out high visibility patrols.

“You will see more armed police officers, working alongside regular patrol teams, around the two counties at key sites and in public areas over the coming days as we continue to operate in a state of heightened alert. At present we have not requested any military resources however this remains an option if required.

“We continue to review security plans for upcoming public events and are working with event organisers to ensure there are appropriate measures in place to keep the public safe."

He urged people to report any suspicious incidents by calling the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 and said day-to-day policing would continue as normal. 

The news comes as police closed off a road in Sunbury-on-Thames in Surrey and searched a house after arresting an 18-year-old in Dover on suspicion of being connected with the attack.

Robin Smith, British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable, urged the public to be "alert but not alarmed" and report any suspicious behaviour.

He said: "Code critical is a well-rehearsed plan now, regrettably of course.

"What the public can expect to see is a lot more officers, a lot more police officers, a lot more armed officers, throughout the stations.

"Not only in London - although we are focusing on the London Underground - but also across England, Scotland and Wales.

"I think people know when things are suspicious.

"They should be alert but not alarmed."

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said yesterday extra officers would be on patrol and security would be reviewed at events across the country over the weekend.

He said: "Military personnel have been drafted in to protect national infrastructure sites, allowing additional armed police officers to carry out patrols.

"Communities across the UK can expect to see more officers, both armed and unarmed, on patrol by foot and in vehicles over the weekend. In particular, they will be patrolling at crowded places, iconic sites, transport hubs and ports."

Mr Rowley, the UK's most senior anti-terror police officer, also urged communities around the UK to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to the police immediately.

"Please do not hesitate, no matter how insignificant you may think the information you have is - please let us decide. It could be crucial," he said.

Announcing the raised threat level, Theresa May said police had asked for authorisation to enact part of the first phase of Operation Temperer – the plan which allows military support to be offered to police.

It was enacted after security experts warned another terrorist attack could be imminent.

The use of the military is believed to allow up to 5,000 troops to be deployed in support of the police.

The plan was activated for the first time on May 23 following the Manchester Arena bombing when the Prime Minister said the police had asked for military support and the request had been approved by Secretary of State for Defence Sir Michael Fallon.

At the time, soldiers were stationed at sites including Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, allowing additional armed officers to attend events such as the FA Cup Final.