POLICE in St Helens have launched a public reassurance campaign by posting armed officers around the town centre in the run-up to the May elections.

The high-profile operation was devised by Merseyside Police as part of a countywide initiative to reassure the public in light of recent terrorist activity in the North West.

Armed officers have been drafted in to make regular patrols around St Helens and police have also been making a series of spot checks on vehicles in the area.

Superintendent Ann Moore, of St Helens Police confirmed: "Overt armed patrols are present in St Helens as part of a public reassurance campaign and to act as a deterrent to terrorists."

Anybody who sees anything suspicious should contact the police by dialling 999 or phone the anti-terrorism hotline on 0800 789 321.

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