Police with guns are to visibly patrol the streets of Cornwall from this week (26/5) despite a lack of any specific threat, it has been announced.

Following the bomb attack which killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, Devon and Cornwall Police said it would be putting armed officers into communities because it is what people "would expect."

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Middleton said on Thursday: “In response to the recent change in the threat level to critical, armed officers from Devon and Cornwall Police and Dorset Police will be seen out and about in our communities, throughout both force areas, from today.

“Armed officers will be doing overt foot patrols, carrying a long-armed firearm, which is the first time this has happened in our area.

“This is not based on any change in intelligence or threat for the south west, but the decision has been taken, whilst we are at a critical threat level, to make firearms officers more deployable and visible to our communities. We think this is what the public would expect at this time. This decision is being reviewed daily.

“Our priority is to provide as much reassurance to communities as possible but we do recognise that some may feel anxious. The firearms officers will be engaging and talking with people and we would actively encourage you to approach the officers and ask any questions you may have.

“We are continuing to work with our local partners, event organisers and the military, to ensure appropriate security is in place and the public are kept safe.

“Separately we have been asked what the public should do in terms of attending events outside of our area. Anyone wanting to travel to big events should go and enjoy themselves but as always, we would urge everyone to be alert and not be alarmed, and keep an eye out for anything suspicious.”

The announcement comes in the same week that armed police were called to two separate incidents in Falmouth and Penryn, and a third incident in which a man was tasered by police officers.

The chief constable also urged the public to report "anything suspicious that they believe may be related to terrorism" to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321 or call 999.

Police have also released this video, explaining what to do if you are ever caught in a firearms or weapons attack, at youtube.com/watch?v=QUCW_mk35Xc