THERE will be an increase in armed and unarmed police officers in Greater Manchester after the terror threat level was raised to critical following the attack in London.

The statement from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) came after an improvised explosive device was detonated at Parsons Green station on a District Line tube train from Wimbledon this morning, injuring 29 people.

ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack and police are hunting the person who placed the bomb.

The 'critical' level means that an attack could be imminent but GMP assistant chief constable Garry Shewan said there was no specific intelligence that suggested Greater Manchester was under immediate threat.

He said: “Today’s awful attack in London will understandably have had a profound impact on those not only living or working in the capital, but also communities across the nation.

“Innocent people including children, parents, grandparents, siblings and loved ones would have been on that train and were no doubt utterly terrified by what they faced. My thoughts are with them and anyone who has been affected by this cowardly attack.

“At times like this we must send a clear message that we will continue to stand together and not live our lives in fear of these atrocities.

“There is no specific intelligence to suggest that an attack on Greater Manchester is imminent but following the decision to raise the threat level to critical, people will see an increase in unarmed and armed officers.

“There will also be extra officers at Manchester Arena’s Saturday night concert to provide visible reassurance to those attending, whilst we will look at plans for Sunday’s football fixture at Old Trafford.

“We will continue to monitor the situation to provide an appropriate response to keep our communities safe, as well as our deployment.

“I would ask you all to please remain vigilant. It is becoming increasingly vital that anyone who has any concerns about suspected terrorist activity should contact police as a matter of a priority."

Anything that seems suspicious or worries residents should be reported to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or dial 999 in an emergency.

Online terrorist and extremist material can be reported at gov.uk/ACT