MIDLANDS Police forces have reassured the public that there are no new security threats in the wake of the Westminster attack.

Four people died during an incident yesterday (March 22) when a car was driven into pedestrians before crashing into railings at the Palace of Westminster.

A policeman was stabbed to death before the attacker was shot dead by armed officers.

Extra officers have been deployed across the country and a number of arrests have been made in Birmingham but both West Midlands Police and West Mercia Police say there is no immediate risk to the public or new terrorist threats.

In a statement the West Midlands force said: “We would like to reassure our communities that we have extra officers out on patrol throughout the next few days to offer reassurance and address any concerns you may have.

“We are keen to stress that this additional security is not based on any new or emerging intelligence.”

While West Mercia Police said: “We feel it is important to emphasise that there is no specific intelligence relating to any threat to the communities that we serve and we regularly review our security measures to ensure we are doing all we can to keep you safe.”

Members of the public are being urged to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or dial 999 in an emergency.

West Midlands Police assistant chief constable, Marcus Beale, who leads on counter terrorism for the force, said: "Suspicious activity is anything that seems out of place, unusual or just doesn’t seem to fit in with day-to-day life - Let us decide if it is important.

“We work tirelessly to counter terrorism. Our absolute priority is to ensure the safety and security of the people who live, work and visit the West Midlands area.

“Our policing tactics and security measures are being reviewed on a daily basis - we, along with our partners, are working around the clock to keep Birmingham and our other cities as safe as can be."

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said the attacks will not change the region being a place where people from different backgrounds live together side by side in harmony.

Mr Jamieson said: "My thoughts are with the victims of the appalling attack in Westminster yesterday.

"We are always prepared for incidents and public safety is our top priority.

"We should act proportionately, be vigilant, but ultimately get on with our daily lives. If we do not, those who oppose our way of life will win.

"The attack on our democracy yesterday will not succeed. We will not be cowed. The public will not let that happen and neither will the emergency services who, as they always do, will put the safety of others ahead of the safety of themselves.

"Tragically a police officer died yesterday. This reminds us of how police officers and the emergency services put their lives on the line for us every single day.

"I would like to reassure people in Birmingham and the West Midlands that while they should be vigilant, the threat level remains unchanged.

"The West Midlands is a place where people from different backgrounds live together side by side in harmony. That will not be allowed to change."

South Staffordshire Police chief constable Jane Sawyers has also spoken out after yesterday’s terror attack - to give reassurance that “day to day policing across Staffordshire continues as normal”.

She said: “We are proud that we stand with all of our faiths and communities and I would like to encourage everyone to remain vigilant.”

But she stressed: “While the UK threat level remains severe, there is no specific intelligence about any raised concerns here.

“As expected we are in close contact with our colleagues in the Counter Terrorism Unit and we are liaising with other forces to ensure we provide support if required.

“At this time our thoughts are very much with the victims of this attack, their families and our colleagues in London and across the UK.”