Specially trained officers have been out around Southend city centre today.

This is because the specialist officers have been out on another Project Servator deployment.

A spokesman for Essex Police in Southend said: "Our specially trained Project Servator officers have been out again today, in various locations around the city centre. 

"Our officers have received additional training to detect tell tale signs that someone might be intent on criminality. Our deployments are unpredictable and aim to disrupt all types of crime. 

"We use a variety of different assets and equipment, including our open gate weapons detection system.

"Together we’ve got it covered."

The force's Southend Community Policing Team is the first in the country to use the open gate system - two freestanding poles that are five feet high and  both more mobile and less conspicuous than a conventional knife arch.

Project Servator aims to deter, detect and disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public.

What you can expect to see during deployments

Officers will arrive unannounced at various locations.

You'll see, as a minimum, uniform and plain-clothes officers, but the force might also include officers from other departments such as dog or horse units or armed officers, depending on specific requirements.

Officers will talk to the public, businesses and private security staff to let them know what they're doing and remind them to be vigilant.

You may also see posters on display boards and officers handing out leaflets explaining more about Project Servator.