Specially trained firearms officers will be patrolling on board train services for the first time.

This mobilisation is part of BTP’s plan to ensure that travelling public are kept safe on the rail network. Passengers who regularly use train services may see a firearms presence on their trains whilst the country is at a critical threat level.

Armed officers have been regularly patrolling on the London Underground since December, but this will be the first time they will patrol on board train services elsewhere in the country.

BTP are the specialists in policing the railway, and our firearms officers receive bespoke and specialist training in order to safely patrol this environment. Passengers should not be alarmed by their presence and know that officers are there to disrupt and deter criminal activity.

Chief Constable Paul Crowther from British Transport Police, said: “Since the devastating events in Manchester on Monday evening, our force has radically increased the presence of our officers nationwide.

“By having firearms officers on board trains we’re ensuring that trains remain as safe as possible for passengers. Our patrols will be highly visible and passengers should feel comforted by their presence. Please do speak to them if you have any concerns at all.

“This is part of our national mobilisation plan to deal with the current and ongoing threat. It is important to note that we do not have any specific intelligence in relation to train services but are taking this action to ensure we can protect and reassure the public.”

Since the UK Government enacted Operation Temperer, BTP has also benefitted from additional firearms officers from the Ministry of Defence Police, who will remain at stations in London.

Chief Constable Crowther added: “I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone to stay calm, be vigilant, and if you spot anything at all which gives you cause for concern, let us know. In light of the dreadful events over these last few days, and the increase to the national threat level, nothing should be considered too trivial to report and any information – regardless of whether you feel it is significant or not – may be important to all of us.

“The cowardly acts of terrorists will never weaken our resolve. We will continue to work with police forces nationally to ensure that the travelling public remain safe and reassured.”

Suspicious behaviour

We would also like you to stop our officers and tell us if you see anything suspicious.

We want you to look out for the unusual – activity or behaviour that strikes you as not quite right and out of place. You may feel it’s nothing but trust your instincts and report it; our intelligence specialists will be able to assess whether the information you have is important or not.

If you see or hear anything that could be a threat of any kind you can

Call the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321

A textphone service is available if you have speech or hearing difficulties 0800 032 4539 (text messages from mobiles not accepted)

or to get in touch with British Transport Police direct

Call us on 0800 40 50 40

Text us on 61016

In case of an emergency, always ring 999