ARMED police could be deployed in train stations and shopping centres across Hampshire after the government raised the terror risk level to "critical" following Monday's attack in Manchester.

Hampshire Constabulary say residents "should not be surprised" to see more police, including armed officers, in the county's busiest areas from today.

Making the announcement, assistant chief constable, Amanda Pearson, said: “As part of the national plans in relation to the move to critical, the public should not be surprised to see additional police officers - including armed officers - in busy locations in Hampshire such as train stations and shopping centres.”

The announcement comes after Theresa May upgraded the UK's terror threat from "severe" to "critical" - the highest level on the current scale.

According to the MI5 website, "critical" means an attack is expected "imminently".

It comes after Monday night's suicide bombing, which took place after an Ariana Grande pop concert at Manchester Arena.

22 people, including an eight-year-old girl and two teenagers, died in the incident.

A further 59 people were injured.

So-called Islamic State have claimed responsibility for the attack.

A 22-year-old man has been named by police as the suspected suicide bomber, while a 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attack.