Armed officers on standby 24 hours a day in Shropshire

Anthony Bangham, chief constable of West Mercia Police, and John Campion, the region's police and crime commissioner, have revealed the information as part of their efforts to reassure the public in the wake of last week's terrorist attack in Westminster.

They say armed officers are ready to prevent attacks and respond swiftly to any taking place – although they stress there is no specific threat to the area.

It comes a week after Khalid Masood, 52, killed four people when he drove a car into pedestrians and stabbed police officer Keith Palmer in London. Masood was then fatally wounded after being shot by police.

Chief Constable Bangham said: “A week ago today our country was shaken by the events in Westminster. This will, no doubt, have caused our communities to reflect and some people may feel fearful. To those people I would like to reassure you that we are committed to keeping you and your family safe and there is no intelligence to suggest a specific threat to our communities.

“Community policing remains at the very heart of all we do and our local policing approach is supported by an armed capability, available 24 hours a day across the force area, to both prevent incidents and respond swiftly where we are needed."

Mr Bangham said the Westminster attack had shown the risks officers face in keeping people safe.

He said: “Last week’s events were also a stark reminder of the risks those who serve within the police service take every single day in order to protect the public and I never fail to be humbled by the bravery of police officers both within our own force and nationally.

“Time will not heal the pain caused to the family and friends of PC Keith Palmer, Aysha Frade, Kurt Cochran and Leslie Rhodes and the thoughts of all of us at West Mercia Police remain with them.”

Mr Campion said: “The commitment and dedication demonstrated by West Mercia officers and staff is something that I see day in, day out. I would like to reassure the public that they work extremely hard to keep our communities safe.

"The chief and I are committed to ensuring that resources are provided to tackle all types of crime. These resources are prioritised accordingly to ensure that all that is needed is done to prevent threats to our communities. Our thoughts remain with the victims of the attack in Westminster. We will be forever indebted to those that make the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe.”