POLICE are on the alert for a terrorist attack over the Christmas period and are asking for the public's 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: "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 said: "It is important to remember that Lancashire has been targeted before."

The hot-line number is 0800 789321.

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