THE THREAT of terrorism has triggered a greater use of armed officers in Hampshire, according to police.

Figures published by the Home Office showed the number of times armed police were called out in the county rose by nearly 50 per cent over a five-year period.

In 2001/2, firearms were authorised on 198 operations in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, the figures show.

By 2005/6, this had risen to 289 operations - an increase of 46 per cent.

Reassessment Hampshire Constabulary said the increased reliance on firearms followed "a rigorous reassessment" of the requirement for counter-terrorism patrols "in light of the terrorist attacks in New York in 2001 and London in July 2005".

Police denied the county had become a more violent place and said the figures included the authorisation of "less lethal" plastic bullets and Taser guns.

A spokeswoman told the Daily Echo: "Members of the public can feel reassured that Hampshire and the Isle of Wight continues to be one of the safest counties in which to live, work and visit.

"While the deployments have gone up, Hampshire has not become more violent."