A WORCESTERSHIRE police commander has urged people to enjoy the bank holiday weekend as usual despite the UK's terror threat being raised to critical.

Superintendent Kevin Purcell, policing commander for South Worcestershire, said police had increased patrols in South Worcestershire and would be working hard to help people feel safe locally.

He said he would be out on foot patrol alongside officers after Theresa May announced that the UK's terror threat was now at the highest possible rating, meaning another atrocity is expected imminently.

Mrs May raised the threat level amid fears Manchester attacker Salman Abedi did not act alone.

She said a "wider group of individuals" could have been involved in the Manchester Arena blast rather than just suicide bomber Abedi.

Monday night's attack at a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande left 22 people dead, including an eight-year-old girl, and dozens injured.

Worcestershire police chiefs discussed appropriate plans for responding to the threat this morning and have reviewed how they manage crowded places and pre-planned events.

However, assistant chief constable Martin Evans said there was no intelligence to suggest a specific threat to the county.

Superintendent Purcell, policing commander for South Worcestershire, said: "Firstly my thoughts and that of all my teams, are very much with those families and friends who have suffered in Manchester.

"We like colleagues nationally are trying to ensure an environment that means people feel safe and enjoy our beautiful South Worcestershire.

"We have increased patrols and would encourage people to enjoy what looks like a Bank Holiday Weekend of good weather and our usual top outdoor venues.

"It is important that people think to and have the confidence to report unusual incidents.

"I look forward to some foot patrol myself over the weekend and I will ensure we achieve a visible, engaging policing style that supports the whole of our community.

"After all what makes us all love South Worcestershire is the sense of one whole community.

"No-one will be allowed to alter that."

Mrs May also said the military could be deployed to support armed police officers nationally, bringing a plan known as Operation Temperer into effect.

Many of the 59 people hurt in the Manchester attack were treated for life-threatening injuries. Twelve of those rushed to hospital were children.

The Islamic State terror group claimed responsibility for the barbaric attack, which involved a home-made device packed with nuts and bolts which exploded in the venue's foyer as thousands of young people were leaving.

Abedi, 22, is believed to have been born in Manchester and of Libyan descent.

The public are asked to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity on 0800 789 321 or in an emergency always call 999.