Armed officers patrol crowded areas in East Midlands

Busy and crowded places in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire are being patrolled by firearms officers.

The operation began at 7am this morning (22nd December) and will run until 3 January 2017.

Police say the assessment of the threat from international terrorism has not changed and remains classified as “severe”.

The four forces also emphasise that there is no specific information or intelligence which suggests an attack in the United Kingdom is imminent.

It comes just days after the lorry attack in Berlin.

Site of the lorry attack in Berlin Credit: PA

Chief Superintendent Ian Howick, who is in charge of EMOpSS, said:

People are asked to remain vigilant during the holiday period and to report anything they believe to be suspicious to Leicestershire Police if necessary and in an emergency by calling 999.

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