POLICE in Thurrock have stepped up patrols following yesterday’s suspected terror attack in Woolwich.

While Essex Police has no information to suggest an attack similar to the atrocity carried out in south east London yesterday afternoon, it has drafted in extra resources to patrol the streets over the next 24-hours.
 

A serving soldier was butchered to death by two men with meat cleavers and other knives outside the Woolwich barracks on Tuesday afternoon.
 

A police spokesman said: “Following the shocking incident in Woolwich today, Essex Police has drafted in additional patrolling resources to reassure our local communities.
 

“Essex Police has no information to suggest any similar attack is being planned to take place locally. Our primary objective is to ensure the continuing safety of everyone who lives, works or travels through the county.
 

“Essex Police is liaising with key stakeholders, partner agencies and community groups to ensure we work together to continue to keep all Essex residents safe.”
 

Thurrock district commander Leigh Norris tweeted on Thursday morning to say: “@EssexPoliceUK teams out in Grays town centre, west Thurrock areas and intuLakeside today and into the afternoon/evening/overnight.”

A man was arrested on Wednesday night after attacking a mosque in Braintree, thought to be in retaliation to the incident. The attack in Woolwich is being investigated by terrorism teams and as a murder enquiry.

The men, holding their blood-soaked weapons, were filmed explaining to passers-by why they had just carried out the attack, moments before being shot by police officers.

One of the reported suspects, Michael Adebolajo, is said to have grown up in Romford.