Greater Manchester Police have explained why they deployed vehicle checkpoints across city last night.
In a tweet, they confirmed it was part of Project Servator - an initiative has been designed to spot and disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, through patrols carried out by specially trained officers.
The force have informed members of the public to expect "unpredictable deployments" of officers across Manchester city centre.
Greater Manchester Police have reassured the public that heightened police presence does not necessarily mean a crime or act of terror is suspected to be about to happen, it's just routine patrolling.
The force said: "Specially trained Transport Unit officers have deployed vehicle check points across the city centre this evening as part of Project Servator.
"These unpredictable deployments occur day or night and utilise uniformed and plain clothes officers
"Project Servator aims to deter, detect and disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public.
"Our officers are experienced and specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone is planning or preparing to commit an act of crime.
"They will arrive unannounced at various locations. These patrols could last for different lengths of time and involve varying numbers of officers.
"You'll see uniform and plain-clothes officers, but we might also include officers from other departments such as dog or horse units or armed officers.
"We might also work with British Transport Police at transport hubs or Aviation Police at airports.
"Officers will talk to the public, local businesses and private security staff to let them know what they're doing and remind them to be vigilant, trust their instincts and report any suspicious or unusual behaviour.
"Project Servator’s patrols are highly visible, but if you see our officers in your area, there's nothing to be concerned about. It's normal police activity and isn't linked to any specific intelligence about a threat to the area.
"Our officers also engage with the online community, sharing information about Project Servator and its successes. On Twitter, follow #ProjectServator."
For more information about Project Servator, you can visit the Greater Manchester Police website.
