Police patrols stepped up in Shropshire to reassure public in wake of Paris attacks
Police patrols are to be stepped up across Shropshire in a bid to reassure people in the aftermath of terrorist attacks in Paris, it has been revealed.
Police leaders said it was important to maintain close links with communities to offer reassurance and advice.
It comes after Islamist militants claimed responsibility for the attacks in the French capital on Friday, where attacks on bars, restaurants, a concert hall and a stadium saw 129 people die.
West Mercia Police spokeswoman Alexa Collicott said: "In response to the terrorist attacks in Paris, high visibility patrols have been increased across the West Mercia policing area.
"We will continue to review operational deployments.
"It is crucial that we maintain close links with our communities to offer reassurance and advice.
"We work closely with other agencies, both locally and nationally, to safeguard our communities against this threat.
"Through the government's Prevent Strategy, the police service works proactively with partners to address all forms of terrorist threat whether from international or domestic terrorism.
"We advise the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity to the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or in an emergency the public should always call 999.
"Communities and families can also contact their local police for access to advice and support about anyone they feel may be potentially vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism or violent extremism.
"You can contact your local police on 101 or visit www.preventtragedies.co.uk for further advice and guidance."
West Mercia Police deputy crime commissioner Barrie Sheldon said he was backing the move.
"I was aware the chief constable sent a message out to staff in respect of the tragic events in Paris asking them to be extra vigilant and increasing visibility and reassuring communities accordingly," he said.
"I welcome this approach. West Mercia is a safe place to live but we cannot be complacent and must remain vigilant."
France has mobilised 115,000 security personnel in the wake of the Paris attacks, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve has said.
Mr Cazeneuve said 128 more raids on suspected militants were carried out.
French air strikes also hit Islamic State in Syria overnight.
A huge manhunt is under way for one of the suspects, Salah Abdeslam.
He is believed to have fled across the border to his native Belgium.
