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Armed police to patrol GCHQ full time

Armed police to patrol GCHQ full time Credit: PA

Armed police will have a permanent presence outside GCHQ in Cheltenham, after the threat to terrorism in the UK increased last year to severe.

The Government's spy centre has confirmed the move but say it is not in response to any specific threat.

They're expected to send leaflets to local residents explaining the decision.

The security posture of our sites, including the safety of our staff, is under constant review. Our enhanced security arrangements are not in response to any specific threat but related to the raising of the UK threat level from international terrorism from substantial to severe last year.

– Spokesperson, GCHQ