Armed police to patrol major infrastructure sites in Essex

Armed Essex Police officers will patrol major infrastructure sites across Essex and the county will see more local policing patrols as the force responds to the change in the national terrorist threat level.

The UK threat level from international terrorism is now ‘critical’ meaning an attack is expected imminently. This is a national threat level and is based on intelligence that is considered credible and specific.

Police say there is no specific intelligence which relates to Essex.

Deputy Chief Constable BJ Harrington said: “From today and until further notice people in Essex will see an increased police presence in the county and that includes armed police officers. We are doing this to protect and reassure the public and we plan and train in great detail to respond to situations like this.”

He said police officers in Essex would stay on duty for longer than usual to keep the county safe.