POLICE in Lancashire are on the alert for a terrorist attack over the Christmas period and are asking the public to help.

A confidential hot-line to help beat the bombers is being manned by officers from the Anti-Terrorist Branch and posters with the message 'Terrorism - Help Us Defeat It' are on display all over the county.

And shop owners are being drafted in to keep a close watch on their security video tapes in case they see something suspicious.

Assistant Commissioner of Special Operations at the Metropolitan Police, David Veness, said: "We want to make the life of the terrorist as difficult as possible.

"I am appealing to the public to tell us what they know. Terrorists intend to kill and maim and cause massive economic damage here in Great Britain."

Preston town centre has already been the target for terrorist attacks - Once at the Army Recruitment Centre in Fishergate and five years ago an incendiary device was found at Preston Railway Station.

The car used by the Manchester bombers was found on Mount Street in Preston earlier this year.

Lancashire's Assistant Chief Constable, head of operations David Smith urged members of the public to be the police's eyes and ears in the effort to counter the terrorist threat.

He said: "It is important to keep the threat of terrorism in perspective because, for most of us, terrorism is something we only hear about on the news.

But equally, it is important to remember that Lancashire has been targeted before which is why we are asking people to be alert and report anything suspicious."

He also asked businesses and shops to keep their security cameras in good working order and check the tapes regularly.

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