POLICE say they will be doing everything they can to keep communities safe as the UK terror threat has been raised to 'critical'.

Forces across the region and British Transport Police said extra officers would be on duty today after Friday's London tube bombing which has been deemed a terrorist incident.

West Mercia Police said on Twitter they were "working with partners to do everything possible to keep our communities safe" and they urged people to "be calm but alert".

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Moore said: "At this time there is no specific threat to Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin or Worcestershire but we will increase our Armed Response vehicle (ARV) capacity in response to the national situation.

"We will also continue to provide a visible policing presence to offer reassurance to our communities."

West Midlands Police's Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Cann, who is leading the force's response to the Parsons Green tube attack and increased security state, said: "We are flexing our resources and increasing our presence at key sites, such as transport hubs and other crowded places.

"We continue to review key events taking place across the West Midlands and entertainment venues.

"People will notice an increase in the number of armed and unarmed officers at these and other locations. While this is a precautionary measure, these highly visible patrols will continue for as long as is needed.

"We are in close contact with the Metropolitan Police and security services, and we standby ready to provide any support from our specialist teams should they require it.

"The thoughts of all of us at West Midlands Police are with those affected by the latest cold blooded act including those first responders who displayed great courage and professionalism in the wake of the attack."

Assistant Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police, Emma Barnett, urged members of the public not to be alarmed at the increased police presence, both armed and unarmed, on the streets of Staffordshire in the coming days.

She added: “Acts of terrorism and hate crimes are committed by a small minority of people and are not representative of the general public.

"We must respond to this attack by uniting with members of our community to demonstrate that we do not welcome extremist and violent behaviour to intimidate or cause fear.

“I ask that members of the public remain vigilant at all times."

Twenty-four hours after the incident Kent Police arrested an 18-year-old man in Dover in connection with the London Underground blast, which injured 29 people.

Members of the public are urged to report any suspicious behaviour or activity on the anti terrorist hotline 0800 789 321 or text 61016 - or in an emergency call 999.

Further information about reporting suspicious behaviour is available online at www.gov.uk/ACT and anyone caught up in a weapons or firearms attack is urged to follow the government's Run Hide Tell advice.