Dutch police officers who are licenced to carry guns should do so when and where possible, national police chief Gerard Bouman is quoted as saying in Monday’s Parool newspaper.

The paper says Bouman has sent a memo to staff saying the move is a necessary precaution at a time of terrorist threat.

In addition, police officers are free to decide whether or not to travel to work in their uniforms, Bouwman said. The armed forces recently advised soldiers not to travel in uniform because of the risk of attack.