'IT is business as usual' - that was the message from Durham Police following the terror attacks in London that led to deaths of four people.

Police Officer Keith Palmer, a woman in her mid 40s and a man in his mid 50s died in the incidents on Westminster Bridge and outside the Houses of Parliament.

The attacker, who has yet to be named, also died after being shot by police.

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REASSURANCE: Durham Constabulary Deputy Chief Constable Jo Farrell

In a statement on Thursday morning, Durham Constabulary Deputy Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “Our sympathies go out to all those affected by the tragic events in London and to the family of PC Keith Palmer and those who lost their lives.

“The public's safety remains our top priority. I want to reassure the people of County Durham and Darlington that there is no specific information suggesting an imminent threat to our communities.

“There has been no change to the current threat level for international terrorism in the UK which remains at Severe and which means ‘an attack is highly likely’.

“I would like to stress that it is very much business as usual. There will be extra patrols by uniformed officers at key locations but this is merely a reassurance measure."

She said she urged people to be alert but not alarmed.

"It is also incredibly important at times like this that communities come together and support each other," she said.

“Should anyone have any concerns or see anything suspicious I would urge them to report it immediately to the Confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321. In an emergency always dial 999.”

North Yorkshire Police urged the public to heed Government advice in the event of an attack.

"Terrorism is rare in North Yorkshire, but an attack could happen at any time or place without warning. The tragic events in Westminster yesterday remind us of the need to always be prepared," a statement on the Force's Facebook page read.

"If you get caught up in the rare event of a firearms or weapons attack we urge you to follow the Run, Hide, Tell advice.

"Remember, in an emergency, if you need urgent police assistance you should always dial 999."

Cleveland Police Assistant Chief Constable Ciaron Irvine said: “Our thoughts are very much with the families, colleagues and friends of those who lost their lives or suffered otherwise as a result of the events in London yesterday.

“Despite these events the local threat level, mirroring the national threat, has not changed and we have no specific intelligence to suggest any links to the Cleveland force area.

"However, we understand that there may be increased concerns among local residents and are increasing the visibility of neighbourhood patrols to offer reassurance to all of our communities.

“Anyone with concerns or anyone who would like more information can refer to the Cleveland Police website for further advice on www.cleveland.police.uk.”

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VICTIM: Police officer Keith Palmer, who died in the terror attack. Picture: PA

Prime Minister Theresa May has told the House of Commons that Parliament was sending out the message following Wednesday's attack: "We will never waver in the face of terrorism."

She addressed MPs as they gathered at the usual time inside the Palace of Westminster, which a day before had come under attack from a knife-wielding terrorist.

An hour after MPs had stood for a minute's silence in honour of the innocent people killed in the attack, Mrs May delivered a statement with details of the atrocity.

Paying tribute to Pc Keith Palmer, who died after being stabbed, she said: "He was every inch a hero and his actions will never be forgotten."

Security is being increased up at York Minster in the light of the terrorist atrocity.

High visibility patrols are being stepped up and visitors bags may end up being searched.

The Minster’s head of security Mark Sutcliffe said: “Security arrangements at York Minster are constantly under review.

“We are particularly fortunate in that we have our own trained Minster Police officers on duty all day, every day. We also keep in close contact with North Yorkshire Police.

“Following the tragic events in London yesterday we have stepped up our high visibility Minster Police patrols to provide reassurance to visitors in our public areas.

“Visitors carrying bags and other items may be asked to allow us to search them before entry. We hope to keep any inconvenience to a minimum.”

He added: “We want to reassure visitors to the Minster that their safety is our priority and that it remains a very safe place to visit.”

North Yorkshire’s Chief Constable Dave Jones added to his force's earlier statement saying: “I would like to reassure the public that there is no intelligence to suggest that there has been any change in the level of risk here in North Yorkshire.

“Nevertheless, in line with other police forces, we will continue to keep our contingency planning under close review, and make careful assessments of the security around any special events.”