DORSET remains on high alert following Monday night’s terror attack.

Responding to the UK’s threat level being raised from severe to critical, Dorset Police confirmed the county would remain vigilant but said no military personnel would be deployed across the county.

Meanwhile neighbouring Hampshire Constabulary announced they would be stepping up security measures by placing additional armed and unarmed patrols at crowded locations including transport hubs and shopping centres.

Chief Superintendent Lucy Hutson said: “Our officers and staff will continue to provide a visible presence in our communities and we have the specialist resources in place to respond in an emergency.”

Dorset Police Deputy Chief Constable, James Vaughan, moved to reassure residents.

He said: “As part of the ongoing investigations into the terrorist incident in Manchester on Monday night, the Prime Minister has announced that the independent Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) has raised the UK threat level from ‘severe’ to ‘critical’.

“As a result of this decision Operation Temperer will now be activated, alongside other established and tested plans, meaning that military personnel may now be deployed onto the streets under police command and control.

“Locations for deployment are agreed at a national level and, at this stage, there are no plans for deployment in Dorset.

“Although we have no information to suggest any specific additional risk to Dorset, we would urge the public to keep alert and not alarmed, and to support us in keeping our region safe by keeping an eye out for anything that seems out of place, unusual or doesn’t seem to fit with day-to-day life.”

Other authorities across the conurbation were forced to take action as a result of the threat level increase.

Poole Harbour Commissioners chief executive Jim Stewart said: “As a result of the Manchester incident I think all businesses have been asked to review their security presence and advise their employees to be more vigilant. 

“We obviously work with Dorset Police, Special Branch and all the ferry companies, we have 24-hour security at the port in any case. We will just be heightening our vigilance going forward."

Assistant Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary, Amanda Pearson, added: “As part of the national plans in relation to the move to critical, the public should not be surprised to see additional police officers - including armed officers - in busy locations in Hampshire such as train stations and shopping centres.”

Andy Baker, head teacher at Poole Grammar School, confirmed that today’s year 10 geography field trip to London had been relocated to the Dorset coast in light of Monday’s attack.

“This was in response to the heightened terror alert given yesterday evening, and was made by the colleagues running the trip,” he said.

“The students concerned will have a field visit to London before the end of their GCSE course, so will not be affected long term by this decision.”

Bournemouth 7s Festival organisers said on Facebook: “The safety and security of our customers and guests is the number one priority for the Bournemouth 7s Festival Team.

“We have been in constant discussions with our security provider and Dorset Police over the past 24 hours and will continue to monitor our plans which are robustly and regularly reviewed with partner agencies in the lead up to the festival.

“Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences remain with the people affected by the tragic events in Manchester.”