The extra police presence seen on Cumbria's streets in the wake of the terror attacks in Manchester and London will continue throughout the summer.

Officers will remain highly visible, patrolling the streets and guarding major public events, over the coming months as they look to reassure residents and visitors of their safety.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Sean Robinson made the announcement as Cumbria Police revealed that the amount of crime committed over the last year has dropped slightly.

"Our priority is, and will continue to be, to keep people safe," Mr Robinson said.

"Following recent tragic events in Manchester and London, it is even more important the communities help us to do this. Throughout the summer we will continue with increased reassurance patrols in our communities and at public events.

"I would ask members of the public to remain vigilant and to let us know if they have any doubts or suspicions."

Armed officers have become a frequent sight across Cumbria since the terrorist atrocities, with their presence felt at big events such as the UB40 and Olly Murs concerts in Carlisle earlier this month.

The latest crime figures, which detail the amount of incidents between April last year and March, showed there were 551 less crimes overall when compared to the previous 12 months, a two per cent decrease.

Top cops are also highlighting success in reducing the amount of anti-social behaviour in the county, with a year-on-year decrease of 11 per cent, a total of 1,525 less incidents. Youth anti-social behaviour has decreased by two per cent, a reduction of 60 incidents.

Cumbria’s police and crime commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “I welcome the news that crime figures remain stable over the last 12 months.

"Although we are not complacent, and even one victim of crime is one victim too many.

“Violence against the person and domestic violence have remained at a consistent level, overall violence against the person has fallen by 1.4 per cent, equating to 102 less crimes and domestic abuse crimes have decreased by one per cent.

"It is important that people have the confidence to come forward and report domestic abuse which is still under reported."

Despite finding that reports of crime in many areas have dropped, officers have seen a 25 per cent increase in the amount of sexual offences, excluding rape. That's an increase of 718 crimes.

Mr McCall added: "One in four of these crimes are historic and we encourage people to take the very brave step and speak out.

"You will be believed and we have specially trained officers to support you.

"Victims can contact the dedicated support service The Bridgeway directly.

"Whilst overall anti-social behaviour has fallen we are not complacent. I am aware that in the last few weeks there have been a number of localised spikes in anti-social behaviour and the police have ongoing operations to proactively address them.

"Overall, these latest figures demonstrate the high-level of support the police in Cumbria receive from you and the quality service they deliver in return, in the face of increasing demand and the challenges surrounding extremism.

"It is only by us all working together we will keep us all safe."

Speaking about the crime figures, Mr Robinson added: "It is encouraging to see overall crime levels remaining static, and a reduction in a significant number of crime types.

“These statistics reflect the continued hard work that Cumbria Constabulary undertakes with partners to keep people, particularly those most vulnerable, safe.

“In line with the national trend, Cumbria has seen rises in reports of rape and other sexual offences.

"These are typically under-reported crimes and a lot of work has been done to encourage victims to come forward. It is positive to see that people are gaining confidence to report these crimes, and that they now benefit from the services available at The Bridgeway.

"By working together we can continue to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, and keep the county a safe place to live, work and visit."

Mr McCall has previously said he would like to see more officers on the beat but that would be determined by financial pressures.

The figures will be discussed at a public accountability conference today (WED) at police headquarters in Penrith.