UPDATE: Thursday, May 25 12.30pm

Newport City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) have said there will be a number of armed police officers from forces outside Gwent on patrol in Newport today as part of a UK-wide operation.

South Wales Argus:

More information to follow.

Wednesday, May 24 6.40pm

ARMED officers were on patrol in Newport and across Gwent following Monday's terrorist attack in Manchester.

Gwent Police firearms officers were seen in the centre of Newport yesterday, Wednesday, following the attack in which 22 people were killed and dozens hurt.

It was the deadliest terrorist incident to hit the UK since the July 7 attacks in London in 2005 and sparked a nationwide security operation.

Gwent Police's assistant chief constable Emma Ackland said the decision had been taken after Prime Minister Theresa May raised the UK's threat level to 'critical' late on Tuesday evening, meaning an attack is considered to be imminent.

"We have reviewed our local patrol strategies and resourcing levels and these will be enhanced, especially around crowded places and within communities that may feel vulnerable," she said.

"Although there are no current plans to deploy military assets into our communities locally, this is a fluid situation which we are monitoring continuously.

"We urge the public to remain alert but not alarmed.

"Along with our partners, Gwent Police is doing everything it can to help protect the security of the communities we serve."

"We advise the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity."

Five people had been arrested in connection with the bombing, which happened after a concert by US popstar Ariana Grande, as the Argus went to press, and yesterday it emerged counter-terrorism agencies were investigating a "network" in connection with the attack.

Almost 1,000 military personnel were being deployed around the country, including to key sites such as Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Downing Street.

The terrorist group calling itself Islamic State has claimed credit for the attack, which was carried out by 22-year-old Salman Abedi.

Theresa May also announced yesterday a minute's silence will be held at 11am today, Thursday, in remembrance of those who were killed or injured in the attack in Manchester.

She will also chair a meeting of the Government's Cobra emergency committee in Whitehall this morning.

Any suspicious behaviour can be reported to the UK's anti-terror hotline on 0800 789 321.

For information on reporting suspicious behaviour visit act.campaign.gov.uk.

In an emergency always dial 999.