HOME Secretary Theresa May says the security of the UK’s borders is ‘paramount’ as she responded to concerns over Dorset’s anti-terrorism capabilities.

She said the Government’s Border Force was monitoring the coastline for potential threats and work by a new intelligence hub was disrupting drug and smuggling networks.

Border Force officers are the first line of defence at ports and check all people coming into the country.

They are supported by Special Branch officers, who work in an anti-terrorism role and are trained to spot unusual or suspicious activity.

Mrs May responded after comments from current Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill who raised fears over Dorset’s anti-terrorism capabilities days after the terror attacks in Brussels.

The number of Special Branch officers in the county has been slashed as counter-terrorism experts are deployed to bigger cities and airports.

Up to three-quarters of specially-trained officers are being taken away from the county, leading to fears that smaller airports and ports could be the next target for terrorists.

Mr Underhill appealed to the Home Secretary to reconsider her decision to redeploy specialist officers amid fears over port security.

Inspector James Grant, chief police officer of Portland Port Police, said there was a lower level of security in ports in general.

He said the protection of the country relies on commercial ports.

Speaking directly to the Dorset Echo, the Home Secretary said: “The security of our border is paramount. You will understand, the Government doesn’t comment on the measures taken to protect individual ports.

“However, Border Force takes a mobile, intelligence-led approach and continuously reviews operational responses in line with emerging threats and working with partners to provide the appropriate level of support where necessary.”

She added: “We have also invested in a multi-agency centre for maritime intelligence in Portsmouth and launched a field intelligence officers’ network, which has resulted in the successful disruption of suspect vessels, smugglers and significant seizures of Class A drugs.”

The Home Secretary went on to say that police spending was being increased over the period of the Spending Review, and would be protected over the course of this Parliament if PCCs maximise their precept.

She added: “We will also provide substantial additional investment over the spending review period in transformation funding, to improve police capabilities to deal with modern threats like terrorist firearms attacks, cyber crime and other emerging threats.”

Mrs May spoke during a brief visit to Dorset where she met Conservative PCC candidate Andrew Graham.

She urged people to vote in Thursday’s elections, saying the role was important.

She said: “Unlike the invisible and unaccountable

police authorities that preceded them, Police and Crime Commissioners are elected, visible

leaders with a real interest in local

issues and real powers to tackle them.

“Directly-elected PCCs matter because they hold

forces to account and give people a real say in how their communities are policed.

“So, Thursday’s election is a real democratic opportunity for the public and I would urge people to make their vote count.”