ARMED police officers have today been welcomed by members of the public as they patrolled the streets of Barrow in light of the Manchester terrorist attack.

Operation Temperer, launched as prime minister Theresa May upgraded the UK's terror threat risk to critical, swung into force across the country on Wednesday.

The increased armed police presence is intended to provide a visible reassurance to the public and armed officers have been chatting to shoppers in Barrow's Dalton Road.

The officers were given a warm welcome by members of the public and traders, with Furness Railway manager Robert Hope popping out to hand them an ice-cold bottle of water.

As security was tightened at key sites across the UK, BAE Systems in Barrow also said it had taken "precautionary measures" in light of the nation's heightened state of alert and the armed cops were also due to visit the roads surrounding the shipyard.

The armed patrols have also been visible in Kendal and Windermere today.

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Cumbria Constabulary's assistant chief constable, Sean Robinson, said: "As many will be aware the national threat level has now been increased to critical, and we are working closely with our colleagues across the country to do everything possible to protect the public.

"Public safety, as always, remains our priority in Cumbria and therefore people will see an increased police presence throughout the county.

"This increased presence will include the deployment of unarmed and armed police officers. We would ask people who see armed police officers not to be alarmed by this; they are there to provide visible reassurance.

"I can assure the public that Cumbria Constabulary is working with forces and other agencies across the country to ensure we are all informed of the current intelligence picture as it develops.

"We are also working with event organisers to ensure robust systems are in place for the policing of upcoming events to prioritise the safety of attendees.

"We would ask the people of Cumbria to go about their business as normal today whilst exercising increased vigilance.

"Our thoughts remain with the people affected by the events in Manchester. We will continue to work with our partners and the public to unite against those who seek to create fear and intimidation.”

The army arrived at Sellafield on Wednesday as officers from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary were deployed elsewhere in the country.

Soldiers were drafted in to the nuclear plant in order to "maintain the site's security levels."

A memo, sent to staff, said: "This is a scenario which Sellafield Ltd, CNC and the MoD has planned for and exercised in the past.

"It is not due to an escalation of the perceived threat to the site, it is a resourcing solution as protection levels are escalated in civilian areas across the country."

A spokesman for BAE Systems Submarines said: "In line with the country's threat level being raised to critical, we have taken precautionary security measures at our Barrow site. We are working closely with external security agencies to keep up to date with the situation."