A major counter-terrorism operation will take place in Scotland later this year, Prime Minister Theresa May has announced.

The exercise will take place in October and will test the response of a number of agencies, including Police Scotland.

Her announcement came just days after five people died and a further 50 people were injured in a terrorist attack outside the Houses of Parliament in London.

Mrs May spoke on a visit to Helen Street Police Station in Govan, Glasgow. The station is Scotland's most secure and is used as a detention centre for terror suspects.

She told police officers: "The UK Government considers national security across the whole of the UK as a top priority.

"Training operations such as this one play a significant part in making sure police forces and other response agencies are able to fully draw on the latest intelligence and resources from the UK's security forces to protect against terrorism anywhere on our soil.

"As the second largest force in the country, Police Scotland are a key player in our fight against terrorism.

"I'm grateful to them for the exceptional work they have been delivering so far to prepare for this very important counter-terrorism exercise."

Police Scotland deployed a number of armed police around key locations following the attack in London last week.