POLICE are remaining tight lipped over the reasons behind the presence of armed officers on the streets of a Hampshire city.

Shoppers in the centre of Winchester have spotted the heavily-armed police officers around the city over the last two days.

However, Hampshire police are refusing to explain why there is the need for the officers carrying guns and wearing bullet-proof vests.

A spokesman would only say it was for "security reasons".

The officers were yesterday outside the city's crown courts building, though it is not believed they are there because of any case in the courts. Armed with automatic Heckler and Koch rifles, four officers from Hampshire's Armed Response Unit have been at the site near the city's Westgate all day yesterday and Wednesday.

Intrigued visitors and residents alike have been speculating about the reasons for their presence.

One visitor was Mia James, 28, from New York. She said: "Well, we haven't seen anything like this in the UK except at the airport on arrival.

"I guess them being there makes us feel a bit safer."

Kevin Parr, 28, a garage worker from Kings Worthy, said: "I'm not necessarily worried by them being there, but I'm definitely intrigued.

"You've got to believe they know something we don't, unless it's all just a practice or something."

A spokesman for Hampshire police confirmed the officers were there as part of a pre-planned operation, but said that giving out any further information might jeopardise their work.

Barbara Bryant of the North Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, which covers Winchester, said: "Sadly this sort of public profile security is becoming much more common, and it's a sign of the uncertain times the world is operating in.

"Generally I'm sure the public will be reassured by this type of presence, and business will carry on as it has in the past and at the moment business in Winchester is superb."