GWENT’S Chief Constable has paid fulsome tribute to PC Keith Palmer - killed in Wednesday’s terror attack in London - and sought to reassure the public amid a national threat level that remains at ‘severe’.

Jeff Farrar said: “Police officers are just ordinary people - ordinary people, doing extraordinary things, just as PC Keith Palmer has shown.

“We step forward to protect the public, when others step back. That is our job. However, incidents like those we saw in London undoubtedly give us all an opportunity to reflect.”

Mr Farrar said PC Palmer’s death is a cause for “great sadness” and added: “I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to his family and colleagues, and to the families of the other victims involved in yesterday’s horrific attack.

“My thoughts are with all the emergency services in London, who have shown such commitment and professionalism in the face of what has probably been one of the most challenging experiences of their careers.

“In Gwent, we are working closely with our partners to protect and reassure our communities.

“I cannot emphasise enough how much my officers appreciate the support you have shown us, on social media and in our neighbourhoods, and it’s times like these when communities really come together and show their strength.

“Whilst there is no information to suggest that anything similar will happen in Gwent, please remember that the threat level, nationally, remains at ‘severe’.”

People who see anything in their neighbourhood, no matter how small, that they consider to be unusual, are being asked call the police on 101, or 999 if it is an emergency.

“If you are worried about friends or family involved in yesterday’s events, a helpline has been set up,” said Mr Farrar.

“You can call either 0800 056 0944 or 0207 158 0010, choosing option one. Demand on these numbers will be high but please keep trying.

“Finally, during the next few days and weeks, you will see additional officers and CSOs (community support officers) in the community and at any events you may be attending. I hope you find this additional presence reassuring.”

A JustGiving page set up to support the family of PC Palmer, raised more than £100,000 in just six hours with donations continuing to flood in.

Set up by the Metropolitan Police Federation, it has become the fastest growing JustGiving crowdfunding page in history.

Donations can be made by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Keith-palmer