Terror threat: We’ll take any steps necessary, vow Shropshire police

West Mercia Police last night moved to reassure the public there was no intelligence that suggested any specific threat to the county.

Shropshire and Telford’s deputy chief constable Karen Manners, on behalf of the force, said her thoughts were with the victims of the attack and their families.

She said: “High-visibility patrols were increased in response to the Manchester Arena incident and this will continue to be the case in the immediate aftermath of the incident in London. We will continue to review the situation and ensure an appropriate policing response remains in place.

“We will also continue to monitor tension and concerns in our communities.

“The threat level to the country remains at severe. This means our policing response and advice to communities will remain the same as last week when the threat level returned to severe after being heightened to critical in the aftermath of the incident at Manchester Arena on May 22.

“There is no intelligence to suggest there is any specific threat to the communities in the Warwickshire or West Mercia policing areas.”

Meanwhile, politicians from across the region have reacted to the attack – remaining defiant that Britain is “united and stronger” than terrorism.

Shropshire and Mid Wales’ incumbent MPs and fellow candidates took to social media to give their sympathies to those affected but also to praise the emergency services’ fast response to the attack.

Mark Pritchard, Conservative candidate for The Wrekin, said his “thoughts and prayers” were with those hurt or affected.

Mr Pritchard tweeted: “Thoughts and prayers with all those affected by tonight’s incident at Borough Market and London Bridge. Thanks to brave police and ambulance crews.

“Terrorism will not divide London. City is one of the most multi-racial and multi ethnic cities in the world. UK will remain strong and united!”

After Prime Minister Theresa May said there was “far too much tolerance of extremism” in the UK and promised to step up the fight against Islamist terrorism following the London Bridge attack, Mr Pritchard said: “Strong and resolute statement by PM. Welcome government’s assertive and new initiatives to tackle terrorism and extremism. Correct to challenge many.”

Conservative candidate for Montgomeryshire Glyn Davies said: “Deeply unsettling news this morning. Innocent people out enjoying themselves being murdered by terrorists in a part of the country where I’ve been working for last seven years.

“No campaigning today – but I never campaign on Sundays anyway. But what about Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday?

“Always try to do what I’ve promised, but campaigning will seem very out of place. Sense we should carry on but I will only be answering questions. There are innocent people dead and maybe dying this morning. Hard to think beyond that.”

North Shropshire Conservative candidate Owen Paterson said: “Shocked at terrible news overnight. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and friends. Emergency services reacted quickly and bravely.”

Telford candidate Lucy Allan said: “Horrific news from London – our freedoms and values attacked again. Britain is united and stronger than those who would destroy us.” Echoing those sentiments, Shrewsbury and Atcham candidate Daniel Kawczynski said: “Terrible news. My thoughts are with those hurt/affected by London Bridge attack, and all Londoners who bravely refuse to be cowed by terrorism.”

Philip Dunne, candidate for Ludlow, said: “Appalling incident last night in London, with seven fatalities and 48 injured. Police and ambulance response superb.”

Laura Davies, Labour’s candidate for Shrewsbury and Atcham, said: “Tragic news. We will not allow terrorism to impede democracy – our campaign in Shrewsbury will continue.” Dylan Harrison, the Wrekin’s Labour candidate, tweeted: “London. So sad for those affected.We all stand with you. Thanks to the emergency services for protecting and supporting those affected.”

Simon Baynes, Conservative candidate for Clwyd South, said the attacks were “beyond belief”.

He tweeted: “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the tragic events in London last night. These attacks are beyond belief.”

DCC Masters added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our communities for their ongoing support and vigilance at what is an extremely challenging time for everyone.

“We continue to urge people to be vigilant but not alarmed. Report any suspicious behaviour or activity to the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency you should always call 999.”

Police patrols in the West Midlands have been enhanced with heightened security continuing around the region in the coming days.

It comes after police shut access to Birmingham's busy entertainment district 'purely as a reassurance move' in the aftermath of the London Bridge attack on Saturday night.

Cordons were put in place from the Five Ways junction to Paradise Circus with side roads off Broad Street also blocked by police between 11.30pm and 3am.

In the days after the attack on Manchester Arena two weeks ago, officers with machine guns were seen regularly patrolling the Mander Centre in Wolverhampton, the Merry Hill shopping centre in Dudley, and the Bull Ring, Grand Central, and Snow Hill railway station in Birmingham.

The London Bridge attack came just days after the Government downgraded the threat level from critical to severe.