EMERGENCY services staff are joining forces with partners and event organisers to offer continued support and reassurance to the public as Merseyside gears up for a busy bank holiday weekend of events.

Take That will perform their rescheduled concert at Echo Arena Liverpool this evening, Friday May 26.

Attendees at the event can expect to see extra police officers and special constables at the arena together with mounted officers.

Colleagues from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service will also be in attendance this evening, engaging with the public, offering reassurance and supporting police officers and private security staff.

There will be also be increased security checks inside the arena and people are being advised not to take bags to the event.

Increased policing will also be in force around this weekend’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon and Sound City events.

A Merseyside police spokeswoman said: “As a result of the threat level being raised to critical nationally members of the public will see an increased policing and security presence at key sites around Merseyside to help protect our communities.

“We are working with our partners as well as with other security forces across the country to ensure a safe and secure environment for concerts and major public events scheduled on Merseyside.

“Specially trained officers are working with partners and event organisers to ensure that venues have appropriate security measures in place for events planned in the near future.

“As a precautionary measure we have increased the number of officers on duty to provide a highly visible, reassurance presence - both overtly armed and unarmed - across Merseyside for as long as is needed and this will be evident over different events taking place in Merseyside over the coming days.

“We urge the public to remain alert but not alarmed - the police service and our partners are doing everything we can to help protect the security of our communities, public institutions, critical national infrastructure, and businesses and places of interest.

“Our security measures and activities are under constant review to reflect where the threats exist and the level of threat we are facing.

“Be vigilant. If you suspect it, report it.

"Nobody is better placed to detect something that is out of place in their communities than the people living in them."

An Echo Arena spokesman said: “We would like to reassure our customers that their safety is always of the highest importance to us, and we have extra security measures in place for tonight’s event.

“We advise customers not to bring items larger than a purse or wallet.

"If a bag is necessary, they should be no larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm and one per person.”

Dean Smith, Race Director for Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool, added: “We are really looking forward to the biggest Rock ‘n’ Roll series to take place in Liverpool.

"In light of recent events we are working closely with Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council and all our stakeholders, reviewing and enhancing all our existing security procedures.

"I would like to encourage all runners to arrive in plenty of time on race morning as there may be delays checking bags in before the race.”

If you see any suspicious activity call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 - in an emergency always dial 999.