Mr Stephenson said "stockpiling" supplies is unnecessary

Paul Stephenson made the announcement on Friday in response to Home Office terror threat advice and war in Iraq.

Mr Stephenson, who was speaking on behalf of the Lancashire Major Incident Co-ordinating Group (Lanmic), urged people to remain calm and maintain life as normal.

Contrary to government advice to make provision for a possible terrorist attack, Mr Stephenson said there was no need to "stockpile" emergency supplies.

Police are continually monitoring local situations Chief Constable Paul Stephenson

He said: "We would [however] encourage people to be vigilant and alert but not be alarmed.

"We do not have any specific intelligence to suggest that Lancashire is at any greater risk from the threat of terrorism than anywhere else.

"There are many different nationalities of people living in our diverse communities across the county.

"The situation in our communities is generally calm, however, police are continually monitoring local situations."

Nearly 'useless'

Mr Stephenson's advice came after the Home Office recommended "sensible precautions" such as having battery-powered torches, ready to eat food and bottled water.

Home Secretary David Blunkett said it is designed to give clear advice on the specific threat of terrorism to the UK.

However, former anti-terrorist officer Charles Shoebridge said this week the advice was "next to no use".

Lanmic is a multi-agency group, which, among other organisations, includes Lancashire Fire and Rescue, Lancashire Ambulance Service and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.