Counter terrorism police are investigating after threats were made to people attending an LGBT event.

Cumbria Police initially warned people to consider staying at home after they received intelligence a man was planning to attack those attending the Pride event at the New Empire in Dalton Road in Barrow-in-Furness on Friday night.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill.

A spokesman for the force said the investigation had been referred to the North West Counter Terrorism Unit (NWCTU) and the man had been further arrested by officers there.

Superintendent Mark Pannone, from Cumbria Police, said: "I can confirm that following further inquiries it was determined that it would be appropriate for the investigation to be led by the North West Counter Terrorism Unit.

"We will support them, as required, with their ongoing investigation."

"Public safety is our absolute priority which was why we acted quickly last night to protect the community, and arrest a 19-year-old man from Barrow," he continued.

"I can reassure the community that we have robust procedures in place to respond to reports of suspicious activity and we will continue to work closely with our local communities to help keep Cumbria safe.

"Over the last few weeks we have increased patrols in our neighbourhoods and at local events to prioritise the safety of the public and would ask for people to continue to be alert and report any suspicious activity to police.

"There is no place for hate crime in Cumbria, and it will not be tolerated."

Armed police were sent to the area on Friday night as a precaution.

A spokesman for the NWCTU said: "This has not been declared a terrorist incident at this time however following further enquiries it was decided that it would be appropriate for the NWCTU to lead the investigation."