NEWS that armed police are being introduced at Barrow shipyard is likely to generate intrigue, rather than smothering us all in the cosy blanket of public reassurance.

Being what it is, the rumour mill is highly likely to go into overdrive at this sudden public announcement.

Predictably, the statements from BAE and the police raise more questions than answers.

This is understandable given the nature of national security.

Many will find it comforting that the facility is going to receive the highest level of protection available.

Yet the justification for this sudden change will inevitably provoke widespread speculation, as it has clearly been the subject of behind-the-scenes talks for some time.

It may just be that Barrow is merely witnessing a sign of the times.

After all, armed police were deployed to patrol public events and our streets following the 2017 terror attacks.

The decision may also mean that certain vulnerabilities have been identified and recommendations made.

Given the nature of the work done at BAE, it does seem surprising that this has not happened before now.

But it also suggests that the authorities are taking every precaution to make us safer.

Forewarned is forearmed, after all.