Top Cop Wants More Armed Police After Paris

The new chief constable of West Midlands Police has called for more armed response officers following the Paris terror attacks.

In an exclusive interview with Sky News on his first full working day in the job, Chief Constable Dave Thompson said: "We first saw those types of armed attacks in Mumbai.

"It has taken quite some time before we saw that emerge into Europe but certainly Paris is a game-changing moment that poses the question whether or not we need a higher mix of armed officers.

"Our predominant defence will always be intelligence and security, and that works well, I have got to be planning if that fails and isn't successful."

In his first morning briefing with officers he faced questions about how increased firearms resources would affect the way they police the West Midlands.

The chief constable said he could not wait for the national debate about firearms within policing when he has to protect 2.8 million people.

He said: "I have made the decision we should train more officers in firearms ... I have pushed the button in terms of us purchasing some additional equipment but also recruiting some people."

Having stepped up from deputy chief constable, Mr Thompson has taken control of the second biggest force in England.

Among the many challenges he faces he aims to further modernise the force, utilise technology better and improve the diversity of police staff.

The constant and evolving terror threat means his specialist officers are repeatedly trying to intercept attacks before they happen.

He added: "I think with the challenge we have seen from Daesh (IS) that this is very much around people trying to stimulate often more vulnerable people to try and carry out attacks locally.

"That brings new challenges so I think we have seen the threat evolve and I think one of our big challenges in my view is constantly trying to stay ahead."

Counter-terrorism officers are still working with international authorities to investigate alleged contact between the Paris attackers and individuals based in the West Midlands.