IN THE wake up of the Manchester terror attack armed police have been deployed across Hampshire as another terror attack may be imminent.

With the national terrorist threat rising to critical, the highest level, an increased police presence was felt around the county, with ports, shopping centres and other public places coming under armed guard.

Across the UK, additional armed and unarmed patrols were taking place at key locations, with up to 3,800 soldiers available to be called on by police if needed.

A statement from Hampshire police said: “Our priority is to protect our communities and visitors to our area. Overnight we have been putting in place additional armed and unarmed patrols at key locations.

“This is very much focused on crowded places, including transport hubs and shopping centres.”

Southampton’s Westquay shopping centre confirmed armed officers were present as part of the increased security.

A spokesperson from the centre’s owners Hammerson said: “Armed officers are at the centre as part of increased security across the country. The safety of our customers and colleagues remains our number one priority.”

Refuse bins around the shopping centre have also been sealed over with plastic.

Armed officers were also guarding the Ocean Terminal at Southampton docks, but a spokesperson said this was routine, and that they had not specially increased security after Monday’s attack.

Southampton Airport wouldn’t confirm whether armed police were currently patrolling, and the organisers of Southampton music festival Common People - due to take place this weekend _ are still liaising with police about their security arrangements.

The festival is expected to bring tens of thousands to Southampton Common.

A spokesperson for Common People said: “We will be carrying out searches so we’d ask everyone to be aware there may be queues. You can help us by minimising the baggage you are carrying.

“We have total confidence that a proportionate and realistic level of resource and procedures will be in place. We are continuing our discussions with Hampshire police to review the security strategy for this weekend’s show and the current threat level is being addressed.”

Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre said that armed police were not present, despite visible security in place to reassure its customers.

However, some theatre-goers have reported seeing armed officers outside the venue since Thursday.

A statement from the theatre said: “We were very saddened by the attack in Manchester on Monday night and our thoughts are with those affected. With a very busy show on this week, we already had a security presence in place.

“We will continue to have visible security to reassure both our customers and staff as necessary. We take security of our customers and building very seriously and our staff will remain vigilant.”

Prayers have also been held at Winchester Cathedral following the terror attack.

A book of condolences for the victims of the Manchester terror attack has been opened in Winchester.

Winchester City Council have opened the electronic book for people to sign, and there is also on available in the King Alfred Conference Chamber in Winchester Guildhall.

A hustings event due to take place last night (Wednesday) at St James Road Methodist Church was cancelled.

A vigil for victims took place at nearby St James Cof E Church.