Gloucestershire Police have released a fresh statement today about armed officers on patrol in Gloucestershire this weekend.

The statement read:

Armed police officers will be on patrol in Gloucester city and Cheltenham town centre over the Bank Holiday weekend.

This is not based on any change in intelligence or threat for the South West, but instead we want to make firearms officers more visible to our communities.

Our priority is to provide as much reassurance as possible and the firearms officers will be engaging and talking with people during the course of their patrols.

In addition to the city and town centre patrols, armed officers will also be deployed to the Tall Ships festival in Gloucester over the next three days.

Again, this is not based on any change in intelligence or threat.

ACC Julian Moss says people should not be alarmed: "We understand it is a worrying time for the public.

"However, we are hoping the presence of armed officers in our city and town centres will reassure the public.

"The feedback we have been getting from the public has been really positive and we ask if you see our officers over the weekend, please go and talk to them and ask them any questions you may have.

"Although I don't want to worry the public unnecessarily, I'd like to take this opportunity remind the public of the national Run, Hide, Tell advice - full details are available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/595437/RHT_A5.pdf 

"Similarly, the advice remains the same to the public, remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour or activity on 0800 789 321 or in an emergency call 999."