THE national terror threat level has has been reduced from critical, which means an attack is imminent, to severe, which means an attack is highly likely, Theresa May has said.

The UK was moved up to critical on Tuesday, following Monday night’s Manchester Arena attack. If it had not been lowered it would have been the longest ever spell of critical terror threat in the UK.

However, Operation Temperer, which allows the military to be deployed to key sites, will continue until the end of the bank holiday, the prime minister said.

GMP Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, said: “The change in the national threat level from critical to severe does not alter our response to Monday’s horrific attack, which claimed so many innocent lives.

“We have made significant progress in this fast moving and complex investigation, working with the national counter terrorism policing network and UK intelligence partners and securing the arrests of 11 people who remain in custody.

“The level of resources we have available to us remains the same as we continue to take positive action so you will notice additional officers, including armed officers, on patrol especially at a number of events this weekend to ensure the security and safety of everyone but it’s important that people remain alert and vigilant.

“You can report any suspicious activity to police on the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or by calling 999.”