ARMED police could be on duty in Tendring to reassure the public over the busy Bank Holiday weekend.

Prime Minister Theresa May said the UK's threat level will "remain at critical and the public should remain vigilant" after a meeting of the Government's emergency committee Cobra.

The threat level was raised following the suicide bombing attack at Manchester Arena on Monday night, which killed 22 people and dozens more seriously injured.

Tendring Council said residents and visitors to the district may see an armed police presence over the next few days.

Essex Police are deploying patrols to crowded areas and there is likely to be a significant influx of people to the Tendring coast over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Ian Davidson, Tendring Council's chief executive, said he has been in regular contact with Essex Police and other partners and that will continue.

“These patrols are not due to any specific intelligence or threat - but rather to increase assurance and security in the area,” he said.

“Overall the key message is that there is no specific intelligence for an attack relating to either Essex or Tendring.

“However Essex Police have mobilised critical response plans which include, increased policing, longer shifts, increased armed police and other specialist units.”

Mr Davidson added that people should be alert and not alarmed.

“We are expecting thousands of extra visitors over this weekend and we want them to have an enjoyable time,” he said.

“We welcome the fact that these extra measures may be taken and no one should be alarmed if they do see armed patrols out and about in Tendring.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Clacton's West BeachClacton's West Beach

  • Visitors are expected to flock to Clacton's West Beach as temperatures soar this weekend.

Speaking inside Number 10 after the meeting, she said: "I have just chaired a meeting of Cobra where I was updated on the extraordinary response of the police and emergency services to Monday's horrific attack.

"The police have confirmed that eight suspects remain in custody and that progress is being made in the case but the threat level, as assessed by the independent joint terrorism analysis centre, will remain at critical and the public should remain vigilant."

The Prime Minister said around 1,000 members of the Armed Forces were still assisting the police, "providing important reassurance ahead of a Bank Holiday weekend of busy events".