POLICE are stationed in Rothbury schools today after a request from members of the community at a public meeting on the manhunt for Raoul Moat.

People attending Thursday evening's meeting in the Jubilee Hall in the small Northumberland town said they would feel safer and more reassured if an officer was based in each of the village's three schools.

Temporary Chief Constable Sue Sim, who attended the meeting along with Chief Superintendent Mark Dennett, said Northumbria Police would make it a priority to respond to this request.

As a result, from this morning officers were based in the schools during school hours while inquiries to trace Moat continue.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Jim Campbell said: "We've made it very clear the safety of the public is our primary concern and if they tell us doing something will make them feel safer then we will respond.

"The community has told us they'd like to see officers in Rothbury's three schools so, from this morning, that will be in place.

"The public meeting was very well attended and gave us the opportunity to update residents on the investigation, answer their questions and address concerns and I hope they found it helpful.

"Anyone in Rothbury who would like to speak to officers about the current situation shouldn't hesitate to get in touch.

"Although we have said information we've received indicates Moat may pose a threat to the wider public, there's nothing to suggest he is intending to target a specific part of the community.

"Our message is to go about business as usual but be vigilant.

"The search for Moat is continuing and although we still believe him to be in the Rothbury area activity is still taking place across the force.

"If you see anything suspicious report it to police immediately by dialling 999."

Chief Supt Mark Dennett said: "We are receiving a great deal of support from the public, especially those living in and around the Rothbury area.

"More recent information received indicates that Moat may now pose a threat to the wider public.

"We still believe Mr Moat's main grievances are against the police.

"There is a heightened risk but there is nothing to panic about and police are asking the public to remain calm but vigilant.

"There is nothing to suggest at this time that Mr Moat is intending to target a specific part of the community.

"We advise people in the local community to go about business as usual but again to be aware of any suspicious activity.

"If you see anything suspicious or out of the ordinary report it to police immediately by dialling 999.

"The safety of the public has always been our number one priority and will continue to be.

"While we still believe Mr Moat to be in the Rothbury area, inquiries are ongoing throughout the force area.

"However, we have an extremely large number of armed and unarmed officers on the streets to protect and reassure the public.

"We have also received overwhelming support from colleagues across the country as well as specialist advice from a number of different agencies.

"In summary, our intention remains to apprehend Raoul Moat safely and bring this to an end."

Overnight searches continued in the Rothbury area with the use of the police helicopter using thermal imaging technology to try to pinpoint the fugitive.