This is why there are armed police in Leeds Station

The officers are patrolling the station as part of 'Project Servator' .

They are specially trained in spotting signs of criminal and terrorist intent.

British Transport Police tweeted yesterday to explain why the armed officers were present.

A spokesperson said: "Project Servator patrols at Leeds this morning in support of local policing to keep you safe over the festive period.

"Look out for each other and report suspicious activity www.gov.uk/ACT #ActionCountersTerrorism."

Since 2015, there have been over 300 arrests as a result of Project Servator deployments, which have seen everything from knives and drugs to wanted criminals being taken off the streets,

On the BTP website, it urges train users not be alarmed.

It reads: "If a Project Servator deployment is happening where you are, it’s nothing to worry about.

"They are normal police deployments and our officers are there to keep you safe.

"They can be made up of a range of resources, including specially-trained uniformed and plain clothed officers, armed police, and police dogs.

"Not to mention, the 60,000 CCTV cameras across the network which help us to have eyes everywhere.

"We will turn up unannounced at railway stations to carry out patrols. They will be unpredictable, so they could happen at any time, last for different amounts of time and involve varying numbers of officers and assets.

"Officers will talk to the public, rail staff and local businesses to let them know what they are doing and remind them to be vigilant, trust their instincts and report any suspicious or unusual behaviour."