SPECIALLY trained firearms officers will be patrolling on board train services for the first time after the UK threat level was raised to critical.

This mobilisation is part of the British Transport Police’s plan to ensure that travelling public are kept safe on the rail network.

Armed officers have been patrolling on board the London underground since December but this will be the first time they will patrol train services elsewhere in the country.

These measures were put in place by the government in response to the terror attack in Manchester Arena on Monday which killed 22 people and injured 59.

The BTP are reassuring passengers not be alarmed by the presence and should know that officers are there to ‘disrupt and deter’ criminal activity.

Chief constable Paul Crowther said: “Since the devastating events in Manchester on Monday evening, our force has radically increased the presence of our officers nationwide.

“By having firearms officers on board trains we’re ensuring that trains remain as safe as possible for passengers.

“Our patrols will be highly visible and passengers should feel comforted by their presence.

“Please do speak to them if you have any concerns at all.

“This is part of our national mobilisation plan to deal with the current and ongoing threat.

“It is important to note that we do not have any specific intelligence in relation to train services but are taking this action to ensure we can protect and reassure the public.”

Since the UK Government enacted Operation Temperer BTP has also benefitted from additional firearms officers from the Ministry of Defence Police who will remain at stations in London.

Chief Constable Crowther added: “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 the 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.

“The cowardly acts of terrorists will never weaken our resolve. We will continue to work with police forces nationally to ensure that the travelling public remain safe and reassured.”

These key points are being issued with the announcement:

• Passengers should stop officers and tell them if you see anything suspicious.

• BTP wants you to look out for the unusual – activity or behaviour that strikes you as not quite right and out of place. You may feel it’s nothing but trust your instincts and report it; BTP's intelligence specialists will be able to assess whether the information you have is important or not.

• If you see or hear anything that could be a threat of any kind you can call the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321

• Get in touch with British Transport Police direct via 0800 4050 40 or by text on 61016

• In case of an emergency, always ring 999