Suffolk police are calling on communities to be vigilant as part of a week raising awareness on counter terrorism.

The first-ever Counter Terrorism Awareness Week is running from today in response to the UK’s terrorism threat which is “severe”.

This week there will be a focus on five key areas where action by the police, businesses and the public can prevent terrorism. These are: crowded places, train and bus stations, preventing violent extremism, terrorist financing and the tools that terrorists need to operate. Police colleagues in Norfolk are also taking part.

Assistant chief constable Sarah Hamlin said it was important not to “scare” people but urged residents to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police.

“To combat the threat from terrorism effectively, law enforcement, businesses, government and the general public need to work together,” she said.

“There’s no intelligence to suggest that Norfolk or Suffolk are currently under any specific threat; however, officers will be working with local businesses, authorities and our local transport hubs this week to raise awareness and provide information. We need businesses to ensure their security measures are effective and train their staff accordingly to detect potential threats, and if necessary respond to an attack.”

Suspicious activity can be reported by calling the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.