Shropshire Star

Paris attacks: West Midlands Police review security as Queen visits Birmingham

Armed police will patrol Birmingham for the Queen's visit tomorrow after a security review in the wake of the Paris terror attacks, which will see more officers than planned deployed.

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West Midlands Police and British Transport Police today confirmed they had revisited their plans in the wake of last Friday's atrocity.

They confirmed that additional officers on top of the original planned number will be carrying out high visibility patrols at Birmingham New Street and surrounding areas

Armed officers will patrol the city centre and at the station and Grand Central shopping centre.

The Queen is expected to arrive by train into Birmingham New Street, which she will officially open.

Police chiefs are urging people to be vigilant, but 'not panic' and said there was no specific intelligence of an attack on Thursday.

People queuing to enter Birmingham's brand new £150m Grand Central shopping centre when it opened in October

Visits to the new Midland Metro stop in Bull Street and Birmingham Dental Hospital.

ACC Gary Cann said a 'substantial security operation' was in place.

He said: "Following the events in Paris it was absolutely right that we reviewed these plans to ensure our focus is on keeping the public and our visitors safe and secure.

"I want to stress that there has been no specific intelligence received relating to a threat to the event on Thursday and everything we are doing is as a precaution.

"I also want members of the public to remember that they are our eyes and ears on the ground ? if you see anything suspicious or that causes concern please tell one of our officers as soon as you can."

Ch Supt Peter Holden, who is leading on the operation for BTP, said: "Our absolute priority is to ensure the safety of all visitors, the travelling public and rail staff during the official re-opening of New Street station, and we have been working in close partnership with WMP and railway partners in planning for this event.

"As with the football match at Wembley yesterday evening, this is another high profile event where people will see a more visible policing presence from our officers.

"This increased visibility will be our standard response across the rail network for the foreseeable future and does not mean we have received any specific threats, just that we are remaining vigilant and prepared for any eventuality.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, added: "People should be vigilant, but not panic.

"We have specialised teams of firearms officers who patrol our streets 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are constantly on hand in case of any violent incident including the type of attack that we witnessed on Friday evening.

"I am constantly monitoring the situation and take the protection of the public incredibly seriously."

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