THERE is an increased police presence in York and across North Yorkshire following the terror attack at Manchester Arena.

Armed police officers are patrolling the streets of York and there are extra patrols throughout the county.

It comes after the government has raised the UK terror threat level to "critical".

However, North Yorkshire Police assistant chief constable Phil Cain said this could be anywhere in the country, and "there is no specific information to suggest that North Yorkshire is a target".

But he added that it is important that everyone remains vigilant and reports any suspicious activity or information to the police or the confidential anti-terrorist hotline.

He said: "We have increased our uniformed patrols across North Yorkshire so you will see more officers out and about at key locations and events. Some of these officers will be armed, but please don’t be alarmed, this is precautionary and not in relation to any specific information.

"The raising of the terror threat to critical means that we can now call upon the assistance of the military. This does not mean that you will immediately see soldiers patrolling the streets of North Yorkshire. It is an option that we will keep under consideration and constantly review.

"We urge members of the public to be alert, but not alarmed, and to remain vigilant. Trust your instincts and report any suspicious activity to the police or anti-terrorist hotline."

For further information about reporting suspicious behaviour, visit: https://act.campaign.gov.uk/.

"If you get caught up in the rare event of a weapons attack we urge you to follow the Run, Hide, Tell advice", ACC Cain said.

You can phone the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789321. If you are in immediate danger, phone 999.

Meanwhile, York Minster has increased security measures at the cathedral.

The cathedral is responding to the raising of the terrorism threat level by increasing high visibility patrols by the Minster’s cathedral constables around the cathedral and its precinct.

It is also introducing, with immediate effect, random bag searches at its visitor entrances as an additional safety measure. Large bags and suitcases will no longer be allowed inside the cathedral.

In addition, it it introducing new measures to manage visitor queues.

These measures will remain in place until further notice.

A spokesman for The Minster said: "The Minster will continue to work closely with North Yorkshire Police to keep the cathedral and the thousands of people who visit it from around the world each year safe".

British Transport Police has released a statement saying it has more officers than usual patrolling at stations as well as on trains across the country.

It said people may also see some of its armed officers at stations or on trains, but they should not be alarmed by this.