Essex Police has thanked the public for their support and asked them to continue to remain vigilant following recent events in Manchester.

The UK threat level was raised to ‘critical’ following the terrorist attack last Monday, May 22.

As a result, there was an increased police presence here in Essex, as across the country, including more visible armed police officers.

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, the level was reduced to ‘severe’, which means an attack is highly likely.

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh, said: “Dedicated and intelligent work from police and national security colleagues in Manchester and nationwide mean that the security threat is now back at ‘severe’.

“That means I still need people in Essex to remain vigilant: if you see something suspicious it’s probably nothing but I want you to tell us about it.

“The arrangements that we put in place last week were well-planned and superbly executed by our officers and staff. People worked long hours in hot weather to keep our county safe and reassured and they did it with a smile and a friendly word too.”

“Those longer shifts ended at 6am yesterday morning but of course the work to keep Essex safe is ongoing, 24/7, and does not end here.

"Since 2016 armed police officers have patrolled both of our international airports and Lakeside shopping centre in Thurrock. Those regular patrols will continue and are there to deter and disrupt crime.

"There is no specific threat or intelligence linked to those places and the public should continue to use those brilliant bits of our Essex infrastructure and economy.”

“I want to thank our officers and staff who have been working extra hours over the last week, which is testimony to their commitment to protect and serve our communities. I also thank members of the public for their ongoing support and for helping us to tackle crime by being our eyes and ears.”

“Communities defeat terrorism. Your information helps us keep you safe and your actions, whether you see something suspicious or in the very unlikely event that you are caught up in a terrorist attack, could save lives.”

“I want everyone to give us five minutes’ thought this week. What would you do if you saw an unattended bag in a shopping centre? Or in the highly unlikely event you were confronted by terrorism, what would you do?

“Knowing what to do – whether that’s reporting anything suspicious to the confidential anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321 or calling 999, or learning the ‘Run, Hide, Tell’ message if you’re confronted by a terrorist act – is a really important part of keeping you safe. Your action counters terrorism.”

More information is at https://act.campaign.gov.uk/ and www.npcc.police.uk/staysafe