Kent is on high alert today with extra security at Army bases after a man was killed outside a London barracks in a suspected terrorist attack.
The heightened police presence across the county follows the murder in Woolwich, south London, yesterday that has shocked the nation.
Last night, a man was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage over an attack on a mosque in Gillingham.
A window and bookcases containing the Koran at the Canterbury Street site were smashed just hours after the murder.
Meanwhile, several police cars blocked the entrace of Maidstone's Army barracks last night.
Three vehicles were parked outside the Invicta Park Barracks, off Royal Engineer's Road, from about 5.30pm. Patrols were reduced to one vehicle at just before 10pm.
Kent Police said officers are providing a "visible presence across county" after a man believed to be a soldier was murdered in a suspected terrorist attack at about 2.20pm.
The force said it has "additional resources across the region to provide a presence in potentially vulnerable communities".
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge said: "We are working with local communities and partners whilst the Metropolitan Police investigate the full circumstances around this incident.
"We are providing high visibility policing in areas across Kent and would appeal for people to stay calm and work with us to ensure the safety of everyone in our county."
Home Secretary Theresa May confirmed security has been increased at Army barracks.
In a statment, she said: "The police and Security Service are establishing the full facts of this barbaric case, but there is a strong indication that it was an act of terrorism.
"In the meantime, security has been increased at Army barracks.
"This attack was an attack on everyone in the United Kingdom, and it will be condemned by people from every community."
Police confirmed they were called to a report of criminal damage at the mosque in Canterbury Street, Gillingham, at 8.40pm yesterday.
Officers arrested a man at 8.44pm on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage.
A man had run into the mosque and started smashing a window and bookcase.
Police officers remained at the scene for several hours.
Azeem Nader, general secretary of the mosque, said they were still trying to establish what exactly had happened.
He said: "A window was smashed and a bookcase was damaged and smashed which contained Korans in them.
"I think somebody arrived at the mosque and then called the police. They apprehended the man.
"We've cleaned up the mess and made temporary repairs. We're aware of what's happened in Woolwich but whether it's linked or not we can't say."
On the Woolwich murder he said: "It's shocking. Nobody in their right mind would support anybody doing such a thing. I was shocked people would do such a thing.
"This is not what the vast majority of Muslims would consider as a reasonable thing to do in any way shape or form.
"We consider ourselves to be a peaceful community that tries to get on with our daily lives."
Essex, UK police arrest knifeman after attempted arson at local mosque
Man arrested following incident in Silks Way, Braintree
Police have arrested a 43-year-old man from Braintree following reports of a man in possession of a knife in Silks Way, Braintree, at 7.15pm on Wednesday, May 22, 2013.
The man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and attempted arson and remains in custody.
No one was injured.
Police continue to investigate the full circumstances of the incident and as such it would not be appropriate to speculate at this time.
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