ARMED police will be on Somerset's streets for the next few days after a terrorist attack in London. 

Nikki Watson, assistant chief constable at Avon and Somerset Police said additional policing resources have been allocated to increase the number of officers on Somerset's streets after a bucket bomb exploded at Parson's Green tube station on Friday, injuring 30 people. 

The UK's terror threat level was increased to critical on Friday after the attack but it has now been reduced to 'severe' with Home Secretary, Amber Rudd saying an attack is still 'highly likely'. 

Two people have been arrested in connection with the attack. 

Mrs Watson said: “Following the rise in the international terrorism threat level to critical we’ve been constantly reviewing our operational policing plans to ensure we’re doing everything we can to protect the public.

“Under Operation Temperer we’ve now been allocated additional policing resources to increase the number of officers on the streets of Avon and Somerset.

“This means the public will see more armed officers over the course of this weekend and into next week, particularly in crowded places such as shopping centres, key transport hubs, iconic sites and at sporting events.  

“We know the terrible events in London will have caused concern and our thoughts are with all the people affected. I’d like to stress there remains no current threat to the South West and the public should not be alarmed if they see more armed or unarmed officers in their communities.

“Our advice and clear message remains the same: please be alert, but not alarmed.

“Be reassured that we have well-established and well-rehearsed plans in place to deal with attacks of this nature and these are tested regularly with partners to ensure we’re as ready as we possibly can.

“We’d urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour or activity to us on 101 or via the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency the public should always call 999.”