THE Chief Constable of Merseyside Police has thanked officers who provided extra security at the Saints versus Wigan match last Thursday and for the “heartfelt response” they received from the public.

Armed police were visible outside the Saints stadium after the force vowed to have an increased presence in the wake of last week’s horrific terrorist attack in Manchester.

This formed part of an effort by Merseyside Police to see "increased policing and security presence" for "major public events" across the region.

Chief Constable Andy Cooke said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank my officers, Police Specials and Civil Nuclear Constabulary, who have ensured that the public of Merseyside have felt safe and confident enough to attend the many events hosted on Merseyside in the last week and during the bank holiday weekend.

“I was out on patrol on Friday night talking to officers providing reassurance in the (Liverpool) city centre for the Take That concert and they have been overwhelmed by the public response and gratitude for the work they do.

He added: “Armed officers, who had also provided a policing presence at the Saints v Wigan game on Thursday night, were telling me that members of the public were coming up and shaking their hands, whilst thanking them for doing their bit to keep the public safe.

“Many of those officers have worked for the police for years and this was the first time they had personally experienced such a heartfelt response from the public and it really made an impression with them."

The Chief Constable added: “The atmosphere in Liverpool throughout the weekend was palpable and the tweet of the two Specials (Special Constable Andrew McIlroy and Special Constable James Liversidge) providing assistance to a weary runner who was struggling to make it to the finish line of the Rock N Roll marathon epitomises the spirit shown by the public and officers alike over the last week.

“We cannot, and will not, let the terrorists disrupt our daily lives and we should continue to do what we would do normally. The strength, courage and humanity of some of those who found themselves caught up in the tragic events at the Manchester Arena last week has shone through. We must never lose sight of the fact that there are vastly more good people in this world than bad and the response of the people of Manchester and the North West following this tragedy speaks volumes.

“I am very proud of the work undertaken by my officers and staff to protect the public and put their communities first and we will continue to do everything we can to keep our communities safe.”