No specific terror threat in South Yorkshire, say police

Assistant Chief Con David Hartley said: “While the threat level remains at severe for the UK, indicating an attack of this nature is likely, for one to occur so soon after the attack in Manchester is understandably, worrying and unnerving for all of us.

“There is no evidence or intelligence to suggest there is any threat to our county at this time, however please have the utmost assurance that we are here working hard to keep everyone safe.”

He added: “I want to offer my reassurance to our communities across South Yorkshire that we are prepared.

“We have a command structure in place at all times, we have increased numbers of armed staff available, and we are planning to support all our events and crowded places. We are here to support you carrying on as normal.”

Seven people were killed and dozens injured after the attack at London Bridge and Borough Market on Saturday night.

South Yorkshire police commissioner Dr Alan Billings said all community events and places where people gather were being assessed as a precaution and armed and unarmed officers being deployed accordingly.

He added: “Terrible though the events in London and Manchester have been, they have had the opposite effect from the one the attackers intended.

“They have brought our communities together, shown us what our core values are and made us more determined than ever to live by them.”

ACC Hartley (pictured) said: “We will continue to serve and protect the public in South Yorkshire, as do all our colleagues across the country, to the best of our ability and maintain a high level of service and delivery.

“I would encourage people to please continue with your lives and daily business as normal.”

Rotherham Faith Leaders Council said that members’ prayers and thoughts were with those who were grieving in the wake of the attack.

The council said in a statement: “The loss of our loved ones and when those closest to us are hurt is one of the deepest pains known to the human heart.

“Any ideology, political agenda or religious motivation that seeks to justify the affliction of such pain, lacks all credibility and is utterly condemned by people of faith and people of no faith.

“We stand together in our united humanity against these inhuman acts.  We stand with the citizens of London and support them with our prayers.

“We grieve again, over lives lost, bodies broken and families torn apart and our prayers and thoughts are with those who are grieving today.

“Our prayers are also for those emergency service personnel who throughout the night have protected, supported and cared for those in need.

“We are so grateful for their dedicated service and the compassion they faithfully demonstrate in such difficult circumstances.

“We will not be shaken. We will not repay evil with evil

“We will continue to do good. We will continue to love.”