WILTSHIRE is not immune from the dangers of terrorism despite remaining a safe place to live, according to a police chief.

Armed officers have been patrolling mainline train stations to protect the public in the wake of the recent bomb blasts that caused carnage in London.

This week Chief Superintendent Julian Kirby said the armed officers were there to reassure the public and said they were acutely aware of the grave responsibility and consequences of firing their weapons.

He said: "In spite of the recent attacks in London, Wiltshire and Swindon continue to be very safe places to live. We must not, however, allow ourselves to believe that we are immune from such dangers."

He said the armed officers were focussing on train stations in an attempt to protect sensitive locations in line with the nationwide response to the bomb blasts.

He said: "Their purpose is to provide reassurance to passengers, the public and railway staff and to act as a deterrent against those who would potentially cause harm."

The officers, from the Armed Response Group, are also on mobile patrol 24-hours a day- but they are not authorised to patrol on foot anywhere other than train stations. Chief Sup Kirby said: "The role of the armed officers is very much one of visibility and engagement with the public and I would encourage anyone to approach the officers if they have any concerns in the same way as they would approach an unarmed officer."

He said the armed officers regularly rehearse the tactics they use, which have to comply with the "Manual of Guidance on the Police Use of Firearms".