FIREARMS officers will continue to patrol Merseyside ‘for the foreseeable future’, police have confirmed.

Following an assessment by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), Prime Minister Theresa May announced today, May 27, that the UK’s terror threat level has been reduced from critical to severe – meaning an attack is highly likely.

The move ends five days at the highest threat level, but Wirral residents will continue to see firearms officers in locations across the county.

Chf Const Andy Cooke said: “I want our communities to be reassured that the safety of our communities is paramount and we are continually reviewing our resources as part of a range of measures to reassure communities and make sure we are well protected during these times of high alert.

“People will continue to see firearms officers patrolling Liverpool and other locations across Merseyside for the foreseeable future.

“Officers from our event planning team and protective security experts will also continue to work together with event organisers to ensure that venues have appropriate security measures in place for events planned in the near future.

“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.”

Residents are now being asked to remain vigilant, and to report suspicious activity.

“Terrorists want to create discord, distrust and to create fear,” he added.

“The police stand together with all communities in the UK and we will take action against any criminal behaviour which seeks to undermine society, especially where crimes are motivated by hate.

“Communities defeat terrorism, which is why we need to work together, the public and police. We depend on information from the public, who at times like this are our eyes and ears, to keep us all safe.

“Acts of terrorism and hate crimes are committed by a small minority of people and are not representative of the public at large. At times like this it is vital that all communities pull together and support each other.

“Everybody, from law enforcement, to businesses, to the general public, has a role to play in keeping the UK safe from terrorism.”

Guidance on recognising the terrorist threat can be found at nactso.gov.uk, while more information of reporting suspicious behaviour can be found at act.campaign.gov.uk

To report any suspicious activity, call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321, or in an emergency call 999.