EMERGENCY services are joining forces with partners and event organisers to offer support and reassurance to the Merseyside public ahead of busy weekend of Bank Holiday events.

This comes after Prime Minister Theresa May stated that the terror threat level has been raised to “critical” following the horrendous Manchester MEN Arena attack on Monday, May 22 that claimed 22 lives and injured 64 people.

Take That will perform their rescheduled concert at Echo Arena Liverpool this evening, Friday May 26.

Attendees at the event can expect to see extra police officers and special constables at the arena together with mounted officers.

Colleagues from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service will also be in attendance this evening, engaging with the public, offering reassurance and supporting police officers and private security staff.

There will be also be increased security checks inside the arena and people are being advised not to take bags to the event.

Increased policing will also be visible around this weekend’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon and Sound City events.

A Merseyside Police spokesman, said: “As a result of the threat level being raised to critical nationally members of the public will see an increased policing and security presence at key sites around Merseyside to help protect our communities.

“We are working with our partners as well as with other security forces across the country to ensure a safe and secure environment for concerts and major public events scheduled on Merseyside.

“Specially trained officers are working with partners and event organisers to ensure that venues have appropriate security measures in place for events planned in the near future.

“As a precautionary measure we have increased the number of officers on duty to provide a highly visible, reassurance presence - both overtly armed and unarmed - across Merseyside for as long as is needed and this will be evident over different events taking place in Merseyside over the coming days.

“We urge the public to remain alert but not alarmed - the police service and our partners are doing everything we can to help protect the security of our communities, public institutions, critical national infrastructure, and businesses and places of interest.

“Our security measures and activities are under constant review to reflect where the threats exist and the level of threat we are facing;

“The latest guidance on recognising the terrorist threat and remaining vigilant can be accessed via nactso.gov.uk

“Be vigilant. If you suspect it, report it. Nobody is better placed to detect something that is out of place in their communities than the people living in them.

“We would encourage you, if you do see any suspicious activity, to call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321, or in an emergency the public should always call 999.

“For further information about reporting suspicious behaviour visit act.campaign.gov.uk/. If you get caught up in the rare event of a weapons attack we urge you to follow the Run, Hide, Tell advice.”

A spokesperson for Echo Arena Liverpool, added: “We would like to reassure our customers that their safety is always of the highest importance to us, and we have extra security measures in place for tonight’s event.

“We advise customers not to bring items larger than a purse or wallet. If a bag is necessary, they should be no larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm and one per person.”

City Mayor Joe Anderson said: "The safety and security of our events is our top priority and we have well established procedures in place, working with event organisers, Merseyside Police and other agencies.

"My clear message to people is that our events programme is going ahead as normal and we want people to come along and enjoy them, but to remain vigilant and if you see something suspicious to report it."

For more information about the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon go to runrocknroll.com/Liverpool.