ARMED police will be patrolling Southend Airport from today to combat a high terrorist threat on the UK.

Officers from Essex Police’s firearms unit will be working alongside community policing teams and the Metropolitan and Kent police forces to conduct high visibility patrols at the airport as well as at Lakeside Shopping Centre.

The patrols, which will begin today and will last for an undetermined amount of time, are designed to reassure the public and deter or disrupt crime and terrorism.

Police have confirmed that the initiative is not in response to specific intelligence about threats or incidents in the county, or an increase in problems.

The patrols will also not have regular scheduled times.

Carl O’Malley, Essex Police’s assistant chief constable, said: “Police officers are working around the clock across the county to protect people from harm.

“That work includes countering the threat posed by terrorism.

“There is no specific intelligence about a direct threat in Essex and no cause for alarm, but the current UK terrorist threat level is ‘severe’, meaning that an attack in this country is ‘highly likely’.

“As part of Essex Police’s response to that threat, I need people in the county to know that they can expect to see an increased police presence, including armed firearms officers, at Lakeside, London Southend Airport and potentially other locations in the future.

“There is no cause for anyone to change their plans or how they go about their lawful business and if you see the patrols it does not mean there is a cause to worry or panic.”

The force will also use a range of tactics to spot suspicious behaviour, including sniffer dogs, trained security staff and CCTV operators, who can spot and track offenders.

Essex Police has appealed for people in the county to be alert but not alarmed.

intu Lakeside manager Marc Myers said: "You may notice a few more Police officers in the centre than usual.  This is the extension of a successful trial programme that was conducted by Essex Police in July called Project Servator, designed to detect, disrupt and deter crime.

"The initiative is now being rolled-out on an ongoing basis at intu Lakeside, Southend Airport and potentially other locations in the future.

“The safety of our customers is, of course, our absolute priority and we take all opportunities to work with the Police when we can to make sure the centre is a safe and enjoyable place to visit. This is merely an extension of that close working relationship and, ultimately, something which provides a reassuring presence for members of the public and our staff.

"It’s important to note that this is in no way relates to any specific threat to intu Lakeside and that the UK threat level remains unchanged at ‘severe’.”

A spokesman for London Southend Airport said: “Safety and security are our paramount concerns at London Southend Airport and we work closely with our colleagues at Essex Police.”

The initiative comes after several European cities suffered horrendous terrorist attacks in recent months.

Some 32 people died in bombings in Brussels, Belgium, in March and a series of terrifying attacks in Paris, France, in November killed 130 people.

People should raise issues with staff or security in public places or call 999 in an emergency.