Extra armed officers are to be deployed by GMP after the latest terrorism incidents in Paris.

After the weekend massacre which killed at least 129 people a woman has blown herself up and a suspect was shot dead during a police raid on a flat in a Paris suburb, while seven arrests were made.

Police targeted the flat in Saint-Denis in a search for the alleged mastermind of Friday’s gun and bomb attacks.

Although there is no intelligence suggesting anywhere in Greater Manchester is under threat of attack, GMP have increased the number of armed officers and increased patrols at places which attract large crowds.

The force said the additional firearms officers will be in vehicles driving around the region as well as waiting to be deployed at several bases. They will be patrolling areas close to the city centre, shopping centres and football games.

Assistant Chief Constable John O’Hare of Greater Manchester Police, said: “In light of the recent events in Paris we have been closely monitoring the situation to determine the appropriate response required here, in Greater Manchester.

Police in Paris launched a raid this morning. See pictures here...

“I want to reinforce the fact that there is no specific intelligence suggesting that an attack is imminent within Greater Manchester.

“We have increased our police patrols to offer reassurance to our communities and to be in a position to respond immediately to any change in circumstances. This is particularly relevant to those places which attract large crowds.

“This includes an increase in armed officers who will be readily available to provide the necessary support and reassurance across Greater Manchester,

“I understand the impact that these attacks have had across all our communities. I want to send out a clear message to everyone that we must stand together, remain vigilant and live our lives as normal.

“We will continue to review intelligence and our deployments and take all possible steps to keep people safe.”

A GMP spokesman said there will not currently be any firearms officers carrying out patrols on foot although this may change if the public need full reassurance.