ARMED police will be on patrol as part of increased security measures at Lumiere this year in the wake of the attempted terror attack on Remembrance Sunday.

Although the light festival in Durham is pedestrianised, hostile vehicle mitigation measures, or steel and concrete barriers, have been installed to prevent potential attackers using a car as a weapon.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the four-day festival, and the UK terror alert level has been raised to 'severe' after a suicide bomber died during a failed plot in Liverpool at the weekend.

Read more: Installations at Lumiere in Durham - and where to find them

Security stewards are being deployed will carry out bag checks and body searches at the ticket entry points.

Visitors planning to go to Lumiere are encouraged to leave a little extra time due to security measures in place surrounding the festival.

As in previous years, organisers have put in place a number of precautions to ensure members of the public can have an enjoyable time at the popular event.

To minimise queueing time, visitors are asked to think carefully about what they bring with them and leave large bags and rucksacks at home.

A number of road closures are in place to protect the public and there will be a visible police presence – including both armed and unarmed officers - who will be on patrol both in Durham city centre and at the six other sites which form part of this year’s festival.

Read more: How much it costs to park in Belmont, Howlands and Sniperly for Durham Lumiere

Superintendent Catherine Clarke, of Durham Constabulary, said: “As the public would expect from such as well-established event, the organisers of Lumiere have put in place a number of sensible security precautions to ensure visitors enjoy their night safely.

“Our officers will be on hand throughout the event, so come up and say hello when you see us as you enjoy the festival.”

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