There will be an increase in armed police across Kent from today.

The news comes after the Home Office’s announcement that police forces across England and Wales are to place more firearms officers and officers with Tasers in key locations.

And Kent Police have acted by deploying officers around Bluewater, Canterbury city centre and the Cathedral and the Port of Dover.

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Bluewater 

Deputy chief constable Paul Brandon said: “We continue to regularly review the threat levels in the county in consultation with the Home Office to ensure we provide the most appropriate protection for the people of Kent.

“While we are not expecting a direct threat to the county, we do want to make sure that should circumstances change quickly, we are adequately prepared.

“We want the public to know we’re doing it to protect them and not to panic if they see officers with firearms or Tasers on patrol.”

There is no information to suggest that the increase in armed police is because of a direct threat to Kent.

Kent’s police and crime commissioner Matthew Scott added: “I have supported the existing plan to use money raised by the council tax precept this year to increase the force’s firearms capability.

“I hope these visible patrols will provide additional reassurance to the public.

“In the event of any serious incident, it is important that we have the resources we need - including firearms officers - to provide a suitable response. The security of the people of Kent is my priority.”