ARMED police officers from Avon and Somerset will be seen patrolling communities following the Manchester terror attack on Monday.

They will mostly be based in highly populated areas, such as Bristol and Bath.

Residents in South Gloucestershire do not need to be concerned about travelling into the two cities, according to an Avon and Somerset spokeswoman.

She confirmed that the decision to deploy police with firearms has been taken to reassure communities and people who are anxious.

"In response to the recent change in the threat level to critical, armed officers from Avon and Somerset will be seen out and about in our communities.

"This is not based on any change in intelligence or threat for the South West, but the decision has been taken instead to make firearms officers more deployable and visible to our communities. We think this is what the public would expect.

"Our priority is to provide as much reassurance to communities as possible but we do recognise that some may feel anxious.

"The firearms officers will be engaging and communicating with people and we would actively encourage them to approach the officers and ask any questions they may have."