ARMED police could be at polling stations across Essex as voters exercise their democratic right in the wake of the latest terrorist attack.

Essex Police’s chief constable Stephen Kavanagh vowed to keep residents safe after what he described as the “vile challenge on our lifestyle” which left seven people dead and 48 injured in London at the weekend.

He said there would be more visible armed officers and other patrols similar in nature to those seen just two weeks ago after a terrorist bomb blast in Manchester.

He said: “Following the awful event of the weekend we are looking at all of the events where people will be gathering, whether that’s on the coast, whether that’s market places, and that will include the polling stations.

“We do need people to go out there and use their democratic mandate for whatever purpose they want but I think when you see this type of vile challenge on our lifestyle, more than ever people need to go out there and vote and we will do our very best to try and keep them safe.”

In an interview with BBC Essex, Mr Kavanagh said the attack on London Bridge and Borough Market showed public events are becoming increasingly vulnerable.

Mr Kavanagh, who once worked in the Met’s anti-terror squad, also pointed out that subsequent raids and arrests have taken place in Barking and Dagenham.

He said: “These incidents are not far from our doorstep so we will need to be vigilant, we do need the public to keep their eyes open and they need to talk to us, call the anti-terror hotline, call 999 if they see something that concerns them.

“The bomb in Manchester would have required some type of technical expertise, but actually what we’re seeing is increasingly knives and vehicles being used, and they are difficult to disrupt.

“But we have got to get on with our lives. We have got to show the resoluteness that this county and this country are so famous for.”

Three men were shot dead by police officers after the attacks on Saturday night.

Seven women and five men aged between 19 and 60 were arrested in Barking on Sunday and a 55-year-old man was later released without charge.

The first victim of the attack has been named as Canadian Christine Archibald, who worked in a homeless shelter until she moved to Europe to be with her fiance.

Armed officers were on guard at stations across Essex yesterday in a bid to keep commuters safe following a horrific terrorist attack in London.

British Transport Police said it had additional staff on patrol at stations and urged commuters not to be alarmed.

A spokesman said: “You may see some of our armed police officers at stations.

“Please don’t be alarmed by this, it doesn’t mean there is any specific intelligence relating to the railway or there is an increased risk if you are travelling by train or tube.

“Our officers are there to make sure you feel safe and know that we are there to protect you.”Understandably people are likely to be concerned, so please feel free to talk to any of our officers if you need any help, advice or reassurance.

“We ask you to be vigilant and report anything that you see or hear which is suspicious or just doesn’t feel right.”

There was an increased police presence in Colchester town centre yesterday in the wake of the attack.

Police were seen speaking to motorists along the High Street.

Anyone who sees anything suspicious should call 999 in an emergency, the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321 or British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.