ARMED police will be among officers patrolling key locations and events to reassure the public in Devon over the festive period.

Senior officers are stressing the move has not been made in response to any increase in threat levels across the county.

Officers say they will be visibly carrying long-armed weapons to help offer further security and reassurance at a busy time of year.

Support will also be given by the force’s dog unit.

Head of Alliance Operations Chief Supt Jim Nye said: ‘I want to reassure the public there is no increase in the threat level, nor is this in reaction to any specific threat. It to help offer reassurance to the public, and to offer a highly-visible level of protection.’

He added: ‘The festive period naturally leads to significant events and creates crowded places. These resources are now available to our commanders across the alliance area, and they will be used across locations at times, and during events where the local teams feel that this extra support could be beneficial.

‘We have also made sure that our dog unit is available to help support our officers and to undertake checks of areas.

‘During this busy time we can see people leaving bags unattended in public areas that could cause alarm. It is hoped that if this does happen, we have the ability to quickly check these items are safe.’