A MAN has been arrested in Greater Manchester in connection with the Westminster terrorist attack.

The arrest was made in the area overnight and police have moved to reassure communities over the arrest.

GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, said: “The horrific events of London have affected people across the nation and we know it has been felt strongly in our communities, here in Greater Manchester.

“In light of an arrest in Manchester overnight, I want to offer my strongest assurances that we are here to support our communities and will robustly investigate any reports of hatred towards anyone. We have reviewed our patrols to ensure we provide visible reassurance.

“Terrorist acts and hate crimes are committed by a tiny minority of people and are not representative of the public. We need to work together to defeat those who seek to destroy our communities with hate, fear, and violence.

“I urge people to come to us with any concerns you have, with the knowledge that we stand with you and will take action against any criminal behaviour.

“You can speak to a Neighbourhood officer, or call 101, if you are concerned about anything, and always call 999 in an emergency.

“I want be clear that there is no specific intelligence suggesting that there is any raised level of threat within Greater Manchester.”

The arrest in Manchester was one of two ‘significant arrests’ made overnight, including one in the West Midlands.

Five people including the attacker, Khalid Masood, have now died as a result of the terrorist attack.

The Metropolitan Police are appealing to the public for information about the killer, who was also known as Adrian Elms but was using the name Khalid Masood at the time of the attack.

Scotland Yard's top anti-terror officer, Mark Rowley, said two people remain in hospital in a critical condition, one with a life-threatening injuries.

Two police officers injured in the attack are also in hospital with "significant injuries".

Mr Rowley said searches at five address were ongoing and 16 have finished.

Detectives have seized 2,700 items from the searches, including "massive amounts of computer data" across the country.

He said officers had spoken to around 3,500 witnesses - including 1,000 who were on Westminster Bridge and around 2,500 who were in Parliament.

Mr Rowley said nine people remained in custody - including the two arrested overnight.

The other suspects - three women and five men - were arrested in the West Midlands and London yesterday and overnight on Wednesday. One of the women has been released on police bail.