Members of the public should expect to see more police patrolling Britain’s railway stations following the bomb attack in Manchester on Monday night.
British Transport Police (BTP) will be deploying ‘more officers than usual’ – including armed personnel – on stations and trains across the network.
The news follows Prime Minister Theresa May’s announcement that the UK terror threat level has been raised from severe to critical – the highest possible – meaning an attack could be ‘imminent’.
Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Hanstock said: “Our officers have been given specialist training in counter terrorism policing – including behavioural awareness skills. This means that their day-to-day policing role is keenly focussed on keeping passengers and staff as safe as possible.
“Over the coming days, we’ll be keeping a close eye to keep you safe, as well as making sure the nation’s railways keep functioning as usual.
“I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone to stay calm, be vigilant, and if you spot anything at all which gives you cause for concern, let us know. In light of the dreadful events over these last few days, and last night’s increase to the national threat level, nothing should be considered too trivial to report and any information – regardless of whether you feel it is significant or not – may be important to all of us.”
BTP has said that the public should not be alarmed by increased presence at stations and on services as this is happening across the country.