Yahoo News 
Security stepped up at polling booths in the wake of terror attacks in London and Manchester
Security at polling stations across the UK will be increased today in light of the recent terror attacks in both Manchester and London.
Police forces across the UK have confirmed that safety is being reviewed, with an increased presence expected at polling stations as people head to the ballot box to decide the next Prime Minister of the UK.
The measure comes after eight people were killed and 48 injured during an attack in London on Saturday night.
General Election 2017: The latest news and political analysis from Yahoo UK
Posting on Twitter, Thames Valley Police wrote: ‘Don’t be alarmed if you see an increased number of our officers out on patrol today – it’s due to the general election. Come & say hi to us.’
Don’t be alarmed if you see an increased number of our officers out on patrol today – it’s due to the general election. Come & say hi to us????
— Thames Valley Police (@ThamesVP) June 8, 2017
Danny Shaw, the Home Affairs Correspondent on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, said: ‘Given that in the last 11 weeks there have been three terrorist attacks that have left 35 people dead, hundreds injured and traumatised, it’s not surprising that today, election day, there will be extra security.
An increase in policing to protect and reassure will be in place from @WMPolice as the nation votes #Election2017
— Dave Thompson (@DaveThompsonCC) June 8, 2017
‘In particular around some of the 50,000 polling stations across the UK. I’ve been calling up some of the police forces – Thames Valley said there will be an increased number of officers. West Midlands Police said they will have a dedicated police operation with more officers on patrol.
‘Essex [Police], they’ve talked about having armed officers to have visible reassurance in crowded places – including at polling stations.’
He added: ‘Greater Manchester Police will have extra officers and community support officers. There is a request there to report any suspicious activity as soon as possible.’
‘In the Metropolitan Police, every borough will have a dedicated policing operation.’
Britons have started heading to the polling station to elect the next Prime Minister of the UK – with final polls predicting a victory for Theresa May.
