EXTRA police are patrolling the waters off Harwich and Mistley as the force responds to a critical national terrorist threat, it has been revealed.

Tendring residents have been warned to expect armed officers on the streets as Essex Police enacts its critical response plans.

It comes after Prime Minister Theresa May raised the UK’s terror threat to critical, meaning an attack is expected imminently, in the wake of a suicide bombing in Manchester on Monday.

John Brown, Harwich mayor, said: “It’s a brilliant thing that there will be additional policing patrols in the area.

“The terror attack in Manchester was an absolute disgrace. I cannot comprehend why someone could do something as terrible as that and take the innocent lives of young children. It’s just unbelievable, and words cannot describe it.

“I hope this will make residents feel more at ease.”

The Essex Police Marine Unit has announced it will be increasing patrols from Mistley to the QE2 Bridge and extra resources are understood to be in place at Harwich Port and Stansted Airport.

With an influx of people expected on the Tendring coast this bank holiday, armed police are expected at crowded areas.

Martin Rayner, Mistley Parish Council chairman, said he is pleased there will be additional policing patrols.

He said: “We have been concerned about not having enough police in the area for some time now and residents have complained about it, so having many more visible police officers will be very much welcomed.

“Having extra patrols will help ease people’s minds."

Ian Davidson, Tendring Council’s chief executive, said: “We are expecting thousands of extra visitors over this weekend.

“We welcome the fact that these extra measures may be taken and no one should be alarmed if they see armed patrols out and about in Tendring.”

Deputy Chief Constable BJ Harrington said: “We are doing this to protect and reassure the public and we plan and train in great detail to respond to situations like this.

“The national operation that has been put in place will include military patrols supporting police operations in key national infrastructure locations.

“If you see any military personnel it does not mean that there is a specific threat near you.”

Twenty-two people were killed and dozens more were seriously injured when Salman Abedi detonated a device at as fans at Manchester Arena were leaving an Ariana Grande concert on Monday night.

It has been the country’s worst attack since the July 7 attacks in London in 2005.

Anything suspicious should be reported to the confidential anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789321.