Members of the public will be aware following reporting in the media that the Prime Minister has initiated Operation Temperer – the mobilisation plan for military support to the police service following a major terrorist attack.

As part of that plan Merseyside Police will receive armed support from officers from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC).

They will be deployed alongside our officers at nominated sites to provide additional protective security and are currently scheduled to provide support throughout the next seven days.

The CNC officers, who have been mobilised, will be under the command and control of Merseyside Police.

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 the country for as long as is needed.

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;

The latest guidance on recognising the terrorist threat and remaining vigilant can be accessed via www.nactso.gov.uk

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. We would encourage you, if you do see any suspicious activity, to call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 , or in an emergency the public should always call 999. For further information about reporting suspicious behaviour visit https://act.campaign.gov.uk/. If you get caught up in the rare event of a weapons attack we urge you to follow the Run, Hide, Tell advice.

Terrorists want to create discord, distrust and to create fear. 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.