Armed police to patrol trains for first time amid terror threat

Armed police are patrolling trains for the first time ever after the UK's terror threat level was increased.

From Thursday afternoon, firearms officers with the British Transport Police (BTP) boarded trains with the intent of keeping passengers safe in the wake of the Manchester bombing.

The move is the latest response by Britain's emergency services since the UK's terror threat level was raised from "severe" to its highest level of "critical", meaning an attack is expected imminently.

Police have confirmed they are chasing a terror network following Monday's suicide bombing at a pop concert, which left 22 dead.

:: LIVE: The latest updates on the Manchester attack

The investigation is focussing on the maker of the nail bomb used in the horror attack, amid fears they could still be at large and plotting a further attack.

British-born attacker Salman Abedi detonated a bomb as a crowd left an Ariana Grande show at Manchester Arena, which is linked to the city's Victoria Station, on Monday night.

The station remained closed on Thursday as forensic officers continued their investigation.

Although armed police have regularly been patrolling the London Underground since December, this is the first time firearms officers will patrol train services across the country.

The patrols will board trains to "disrupt and deter criminal activity" but BTP added there was no specific intelligence of a threat to train services.

The use of armed officers will be focussed on - although not limited to - those routes to big cities.

A Virgin Trains service from London Euston to Birmingham New Street after 2pm on Thursday was among the first to be patrolled by firearms police.

BTP chief constable Paul Crowther said: "Our force has radically increased the presence of our officers nationwide.

"By having firearms officers on board trains we're ensuring that trains remain as safe as possible for passengers.

"Our patrols will be highly visible and passengers should feel comforted by their presence. Please do speak to them if you have any concerns at all."

BTP have been boosted by extra armed police since the Government enacted Operation Temperer on Tuesday, with these additional officers to guard stations in London.

:: Operation Temperer: What will Army's role be?

Under Operation Temperer, up to 5,000 soldiers can be deployed on the streets to support police in the wake of a major terror atrocity.

Train passengers have been urged to remain calm but vigilant and to report anything suspicious to police.

Mr Crowther said: "Nothing should be considered too trivial to report."

Armed police were introduced on the London Underground following a bomb alert at North Greenwich station last year.