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Heavily armed officers in body armour and carrying assault rifles were on patrol providing 'public reassurance' at Exeter Christmas Market. But police chiefs stressed that it was part of an exercise, and was not because of an increased terror threat in Devon.

Chief Supt Jim Nye, operations commander, said: "Today is absolutely about providing public reassurance.

"There is no change in the terror threat locally. This is something that is happening nationally.

"We have armed officers on duty 24 hours a day but at certain events, such as the Exeter Christmas Market today, we are allowing them to get out of their vehicles and walk among the public and chat to people with their long-armed rifles.

(Image: Colleen Smith)

"Normally they would only have their side-arm and not overtly carry the Heckler and Koch G36 semi-automatic long rifle.

"We want the public to come and chat. Most people have this image of policemen as friendly and helpful - and we still are!

"It is just that we have to recognise that there are terror threats out there."

The two officers on patrol in Exeter, who are based at Middlemoor, said the reaction from the public was 'generally positive'.

"We have taken a few people by surprise and one man has just said that it's totally unnecessary.

"But when they stop and speak and we explain, they realise that we are just normal people.

"Even the majority of children seem fairly excited to see us and the police dogs. The response has been good.

"People don't need to be scared - as long as they've done nothing wrong.

"People think that the rifle is an automatic weapon but it's not. They only fire one shot at a time because we have to account for every shot, if we should open fire."

From the top down, this is how the armed response officers in Exeter today were equipped:

Body worn video camera fitted on the left-had side of the cap,

Knife-resistant body armour

Radio and video camera on chest

Standard issue pepper spray, handcuffs and taser

Non-standard issue Heckler and Kock G36 assault rifle and 100 rounds

Glock 17 firearms pistol

Extendable baton

Stallholders at the market welcomed the armed officers with open arms.

Edward Bosworth, of Edwards Fudge and Kitchen said: "It's really good to see them. It makes me feel reassured. I have so much respect for the police because of the type of people they have to deal with.

"People who think we shouldn't have armed police on the streets are living in the past and they need to get used to it."

Annie Williams at Figgy's Christmas Puddings said: "I welcome it. My cousin is a mounted police officer in Bristol. Armed officers put people's minds at rest."

Chief Supt Nye added: "The festive period naturally leads to significant events and creates crowded places. These resources are now available to our commanders across the alliance area, and they will be used across locations at times, and during events where the local teams feel that this extra support could be beneficial.

“We have also made sure that our dog unit are available to help support our officers and to undertake checks of areas; during this busy time we can see people leaving bags unattended in public area’s that could cause alarm, it is hoped that if this does happen, we have the ability to check these items are safe, quicker.

“Our message to the public is go about their day as normal, enjoy the festive period and stay safe. If anyone sees anything suspicious then tell. You can approach these officers directly as they are her to protect and serve our communities, you can also contact us on 101 or 999 in a case of an emergency. You can also contact the National Counter Terrorism hotline on 0800 789 321.”