Armed officers will continue to be stationed at Channel ports despite the reduction in the terror threat level, a police force said yesterday.

The announcement came in light of the Government's decision to drop the national terror threat level from critical to severe. Restrictions on air travellers were also relaxed.

Kent Police said the force was maintaining an "increased visible presence", including some armed officers, at the Channel ports and Eurotunnel in Folkestone, Ashford International Station and Manston Airport near Ramsgate.

Armed officers were posted at key sites last week when the alleged airline bomb plot was revealed and airport security was overhauled. The security level rating at ports was not changed in response to the air threat.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "We are urging people to remain vigilant for any activity that could be linked to terrorism as the national alert continues following last week's arrests in London, Thames Valley and Birmingham."

Deputy Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle urged Kent residents to remain alert and ring the anti-terrorist hotline if they have any suspicions, fears, or possible information.

Police community liaison officers are working with ethnic minority groups to monitor tensions.

Mr Barker-McCardle said: "We are aware that some communities will be particularly concerned as a result of last week's events and unrest in the Middle East. These include minority ethnic and faith groups who may feel particularly vulnerable.

"We will be keeping them informed of any developments and I can assure them that we do take their concerns very seriously.

"Fortunately people appear to be responding sensibly and responsibly to the current threat level."

The anti-terrorist hotline number is 0800 789 321.