POLICE in Avon and Somerset have responded following the national threat level of international terrorism being raised to critical following an explosion on the London Underground on Friday.

The terrorist at Parsons Green London Underground station raising the threat level means another attack may be imminent, with military personnel being drafted to protect national infrastructure sites and additional armed police officers carrying out patrols and support the wider UK.

Officers in South Gloucestershire have stressed there is currently no known threat to the region, and it is unlikely to see military on the streets of Avon and Somerset, although the situation is being kept under constant review.

Avon and Somerset Police have asked for residents to remain alert but not to be alarmed.

Assistant chief constable Nikki Watson said: “Following the rise in the international terrorism threat level to critical we’ve been constantly reviewing our operational policing plans to ensure we’re doing everything we can to protect the public.

“Under Operation Temperer we’ve now been allocated additional policing resources to increase the number of officers on the streets of Avon and Somerset.

“This means the public will see more armed officers over the course of this weekend and into next week, particularly in crowded places such as shopping centres, key transport hubs, iconic sites and at sporting events.

“We know the terrible events in London will have caused concern and our thoughts are with all the people affected. I’d like to stress there remains no current threat to the South West and the public should not be alarmed if they see more armed or unarmed officers in their communities.

“Our advice and clear message remains the same: please be alert, but not alarmed.

“Be reassured that we have well-established and well-rehearsed plans in place to deal with attacks of this nature and these are tested regularly with partners to ensure we’re as ready as we possibly can."

The public have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour activity by calling 101, or via the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.

In an emergency the public should always call 999.