Public reassurance and increased policing across West Mercia Police

Statement from ACC Martin Evans "As you will be aware the UK threat level has been increased to critical and Operation Temperer, the deployment of military personnel alongside and in support of firearms officers, has been initiated and now been in operation for more than 24 hours.

"Across the West Mercia Police force area we are committed to doing everything possible to protect our communities from harm. The role West Mercia Police has within the communities we serve is vital at the best of times, but never more so than now. For the next few days our communities will see and feel an enhanced level of visible policing in key locations to help provide them with the additional reassurance they need.

"We are reviewing a number of forthcoming public events that are due to take place in the counties that we serve and will be ensuring that we provide the right level of visible policing and community reassurance at these.

"We are advising the public to remain vigilant, to be alert and not alarmed and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity on 0800 789 321 or in an emergency always call 999. For further information about reporting suspicious behaviour visit https://act.campaign.gov.uk/ and we would be grateful if you could share this important message as widely as possible.

"We are regularly updating the public, our workforce and the media with advice about remaining vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity, no matter how insignificant, please do help us protect people from harm.

"Communities defeat terrorism, which is why we must maintain the strong relationship between the public and police. We depend on information from the public, who can be our eyes and ears, in our efforts to keep us all safe.

"For more information please log onto www.westmercia.police.uk or follow us on Twitter @WMerciaPolice.

"Thank you for your ongoing support and help."