Armed police patrol intu Watford and town centre 'to reassure public'

Hertfordshire Constabulary said it was reviewing its “staffing profile” in the wake of the attack, in which three extremists – Khuram Butt, Rachid Redouane and Youssef Zaghba – drove a van at pedestrians before going on a stabbing rampage which left seven people dead and 48 injured.

Intu Watford manager Vicki Costello advised shoppers not to be alarmed if they spotted firearms officers in the shopping centre in the coming days.

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“We are shocked and saddened by the atrocities committed in London on Saturday night and our thoughts are with all those caught up in the tragedy,” she said.   

“In light of those terrible events, there is a higher than normal police presence in and around the centre for the reassurance to our customers, and we expect that to continue in the coming days.

“We have also been advised by Hertfordshire Constabulary that firearm officers will patrol high footfall areas in the region, including busy high streets and shopping centres.

“There’s no need to feel alarmed and it’s important to note that this does not relate to any specific threat to intu Watford. But we would ask that our customers let us know if they see anything which causes them concern.”

Hertfordshire Constabulary said its priority was public safety, adding: “Foremost in our minds is the need to provide a reassuring visible presence in the community at a time of increased concern among members of the public.

“Following discussions with local partners and business owners, additional armed patrols are being put in place at locations across Hertfordshire by way of reassurance and our plans are constantly being reviewed.

“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to police via 999.”