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British Transport Police have launched armed patrols on trains across the country in the wake of the Manchester bombing as part of “radically increased” security measures.

As Britain remained on high alert for terror attacks, for the first time in the history of the force it placed specialist firearms officers on trains nationwide on Thursday afternoon.

BTP said passengers can expect to see a firearms presence on their trains whilst the country is at a critical threat level.

Armed officers have been regularly patrolling on the London Underground since December, but this will be the first time they will patrol on board train services elsewhere in the country.

Manchester Victoria station, which is attached to Manchester Arena where the blast happened, was closed to allow a forensic search of the area and has not yet reopened.

Chief Constable Paul Crowther of BTP said: “Since the devastating events in Manchester on Monday evening, our force has radically increased the presence of our officers nationwide.

He added: “This is part of our national mobilisation plan to deal with the current and ongoing threat.

"It is important to note that we do not have any specific intelligence in relation to train services but are taking this action to ensure we can protect and reassure the public.”

Since the UK Government enacted Operation Temperer – the government plan to put thousands of armed troops in the streets – additional firearms officers from the Ministry of Defence Police have been deployed to BTP, and they will remain at stations in London.

Chief Constable Crowther added: “I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone to stay calm, be vigilant, and if you spot anything at all which gives you cause for concern, let us know.

He said “nothing should be considered too trivial” and all suspicious behaviour should be reported

The anti-terrorism hotline can be contacted on 0800 789 321 or BTP on 0800 40 50 40.