Troops Begin Withdrawal From Streets After Manchester Attack

Military personnel are being gradually stood down as the huge security operation launched after the Manchester bombing is scaled back.

Hundreds of troops were called in to support the police effort amid fears further attacks could be imminent.

The plan, Operation Temperer, was activated after the official threat level was raised to critical, the highest level, for the first time in almost a decade.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, the national lead for counter-terrorism policing, said:

"I'd like to thank military colleagues for their assistance and the public for their continued support during this challenging time. The extra resources that were in place over the last week are being phased out."

"However, military personnel will remain in readiness to support the police should it be necessary."

Over the weekend the assessment was changed back to severe, the second-highest rating.

This indicates an attack is considered "highly likely".

Under Temperer, the pool of police firearms officers available to be deployed nationwide was boosted by more than 1,000 after military personnel were posted to guard key sites.

The measure was kept in place over the Bank Holiday weekend as hundreds of events were held around the country.

On Tuesday, Scotland Yard said the reduction of military support will continue over the next three days.

Extra police resources implemented over the extended weekend have also been stood down.

Mr Rowley added:

"The threat level from terrorism in the UK remains severe and the public should remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or in an emergency the public should always call 999."