Gloucestershire Police have issued a statement today following the Government's decision to raise the threat level to critical after the tragic events in Manchester.

In the statement, assistant chief constable Gary Thompson said: "We are responding to the national situation following the threat level being raised to critical which means we are making the necessary arrangements to ensure people living, working and visiting Gloucestershire are safe.

"For operational reasons we can't share the details of this, but please be assured we are drawing on all the necessary resources to allow our officers to do their job and keep you safe.

"Nationally, Operation Temperer has been actioned which means the police service can ask for support from the military.

"Just to be clear, this does not necessarily mean you will see armed forces on the streets of Gloucestershire.

"We understand that people will be concerned about what's happened and raising the threat level is likely to also increase worries.

"However, it has been done because the security services need to ensure the public are vigilant.

"You are our eyes and ears, in our efforts to keep us all safe.

"If you are concerned, please dial 999 immediately or you can call the anti-terror hotline 0800 789321."