Armed police at markets are 'routine foot patrols'

An armed officer patrols a Christmas market in the UK

Surrey Police has said that armed police officers who are patrolling various Christmas markets across the county are part of "routine foot patrols".

The force came under criticism for the decision on social media, which led to them disabling the comments, calling responses "purposefully divisive and inflammatory".

Ch Supt Justin Burtenshaw, Surrey Police's head of protective security, said: "Armed police are deployed 24 hours a day and they have several responsibilities.

"One of these is a standing authority that enables us to patrol throughout the year, to deter serious crime and terrorism."

'No particular threats'

Ch Supt Burtenshaw added: "There are no particular threats to Surrey but we look at where the high footfall is, and at this time of year lots of people are at Christmas markets."

The police said that the patrols had been taking place in Surrey for the last eight years.

Jane Ogden, professor of psychology at the University of Surrey, said: "Police on the streets is a good thing but the visibility of a gun is something else.

"I have always been proud we don't have guns on our street."