ARMED police could be deployed across Hampshire and the county's venues are set to beef up their security following the Manchester terror attack.

Venues across the south coast will be working alongside law enforcement officers to ensure the safety of the public in the aftermath of the suicide bombing.

It comes after the attack, which took place after an Ariana Grande pop concert at Manchester Arena on Monday night, which left 22 people dead and 59 people injured.

The attack was carried out by a lone male suicide bomber who detonated an improvised explosive device in a public space near the box office.

Hampshire Police assistant chief constable Amanda Pearson said: "As part of the national plans in relation to the move to 'critical' [risk level], the public should not be surprised to see additional officers - including armed officers - in busy locations in Hampshire such as train stations and shopping centres."

A spokesperson for the The Ageas Bowl in West End said: "We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to all those affected by last night’s atrocity at the Manchester Arena.

"The Ageas Bowl management work very closely with the police and other relevant authorities when planning all major events at the venue, and in the light of the events in Manchester we will take appropriate advice and review and update our safety and security procedures accordingly."

The O2 Guildhall in Southampton say that all shows are scheduled to continue at this time.

The venue will be silent on social media for 48 hours in sympathy with all those who lost their lives or were injured.

On Thursday, the Guildhall will release updated plans for their shows but stated: "We will not be defeated by such cowardice."

Organisers of the Common People festival, which is due to take place this weekend in Southampton, have said the safety of their audience is of "utmost importance" to them and they are in discussions with police.

The Echo contacted St Mary's football stadium ahead of the Robbie Williams concert on June 6 and Southampton FC later released a statement regarding the event.

"Southampton Football Club can confirm that, after discussions with Metropolis Music on behalf of Live Nation, the Robbie Williams concert at St Mary’s Stadium, scheduled for Tuesday 6th June will continue as planned," it said.

"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Southampton Football Club are with all those affected by the horrific attack at the Manchester Arena."

Michael Lane, Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “My thoughts and prayers are with, and for, all the people of Manchester and all the attendees and families of those involved in the terror of last evening.

“There can be no excuse or sense behind this vile criminal action.

“I would like to echo the early words of the Prime Minister and Home Secretary – that the public should stay vigilant, being alert but not alarmed.

“And I would like to reinforce the many words of respect for the emergency services and the community response to this tragic event in Manchester."

Hampshire Police chief constable Olivia Pinkney, said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the events in Manchester; with the families, friends and loved ones of all those killed and injured.

“We have reviewed, and will continue to review, our security plans and capability, including around all pre-planned events taking place in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in the coming weeks. It is normal procedure for us to work with event organisers in the run up to all large scale events to ensure they can run these safely and securely.

“We will also continue to link in with our colleagues at Greater Manchester Police, the National Police Chiefs Council and the South East Counter Terrorism Unit.

“I urge the community to remain alert but not alarmed – we, together with our partners, are doing everything we can to help protect the public, the security of our communities, public places and businesses. Specialist teams, well-rehearsed at dealing with major incidents, continue to provide a strong visible presence across the UK."