LANCASHIRE Police are warning the entire community to be more vigilant following the third bomb attack in London.

Posters in ethnic languages have been posted around Preston in a bid to make sure people remain on their guard for possible racist bomb attacks.

The local constabulary had placed the posters, written in English, Gujerati, Urdu, Punjabi and Bengali throughout the area, urging communities to keep a look-out for suspicious packages.

But following last week's killer nail bomb which ripped through the heart of London's gay community, killing three people in the process, police chiefs say everyone has to be aware that they could be at risk.

Superintendent Clive Helliwell said: "It has become obvious that with this third bomb attack the perimeters have been widened.

"In particular, we are encouraging all minority groups who may be singled out for race, religion or sexual orientation including Jews, Irish and gays or lesbians, to contact local police with any concerns they may have.

"As yet, we have no specific intelligence to say that Lancashire is a target, but everyone can be of help by reporting all suspicious packages immediately to the police and not leaving any bags or luggages unattended as it may raise unnecessary alarm."

The posters, part of Operation Vigilance, are currently being circulated in shops, community centres, pubs, places of worship along with other potentially vulnerable locations.

Each poster carries a simple, direct messages, urging readers to Be Alert! Be Safe!

The police will also maintain a high visibility presence throughout the county, stressing that its prime aims are public reassurance and deterrence.

Inspector Gill Jacques, the force's ethnic community officer, said: "A series of meetings between local officers and members of ethnic minority groups countywide are planned and these are being welcomed as a way of keeping them both involved and reassured."

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