THE man who led Cumbria through some of its darkest days in the aftermath of serial killer Derrick Bird's shooting spree is heading the response of the Met to this week's Westminster terror attack.

Former chief constable of Cumbria Constabulary, Craig Mackey, is now Acting Commissioner of the Metropolitan police.

He said yesterday that "the police are the public and the public are the police" as he reassured people the operation is about keeping London safe.

Speaking after a minute's silence outside New Scotland Yard, Acting Commissioner Craig Mackey thanked colleagues for attending in remembrance of PC Keith Palmer.

He said: "Thank you for joining us this morning in this remembrance for our fallen colleague, PC Palmer, and everybody affected by yesterday's terrible events in London.

"The support of Londoners and this wonderful community ensures that we can do the job we are entrusted to do within keeping London safe.

"You have heard about the investigation that is ongoing and we have spoken about the reassurance work and high-visibility patrols we are doing across London.

"We need the public's help. The police are the public and the public are the police."

Mr Mackey urged anyone with concerns to talk to police and said that officers were making sure the response was of the highest calibre.

His words came as Cumbria Constabulary paid tribute to the memory of the police officer who died.

Assistant chief constable Sean Robinson sent the condolences of the force to the family of murdered PC Keith Palmer.

He said: "The thoughts of all officers and staff at Cumbria Constabulary are with all those affected by yesterday’s events in London, including the family of our Metropolitan Police colleague who lost his life."

A visit by 27 pupils from Dane Ghyll School to parliament next Tuesday has been cast into doubt following the attack.

Joint headteacher Caron Reynolds said a meeting will be held today with parents to decide the best course of action to take.

Yesterday more and more information came to light about the attack which left four dead, including the attacker, and dozens injured. Seven last night remained in a critical condition in hospital.

Police forces across the country, including Cumbria are on heightened alert following the attack.

Ass Chf Con Robinson said: "Public safety, as always, remains our priority. Whilst there is no specific threat to the county, we would urge everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us on 101 or via the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321. Always call 999 in an emergency."

Eight arrests and six properties have been raided in London, Birmingham and other locations in counter-terrorism operations.

On Thursday afternoon the name of the attacker was made known as Khalid Masood, a 52-year-old man from Kent. Earlier in the day Prime Minister Theresa May said the suspect was British and was known to the security services.

Scotland Yard said he was not the subject of any current investigations and there was "no prior intelligence about his intent to mount a terrorist attack."

However, he was known to police and has a range of previous convictions for assaults, including GBH, possession of offensive weapons and public order offences.

Since the attack, so called Islamic State have claimed the attacker was one of their "soldiers", and defence secretary Michael Fallon has said it is assumed the attack was connected to Islamic terrorism.