British police said on Thursday that the fugitive Raoul Thomas Moat, who is wanted on suspicion of murder, now posed a threat to the general public.
Temporary Chief Constable Sue Sim told a news conference in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on Thursday that previously Moat's threats had been directly largely towards the police, but that it was now thought there was an increased threat to the public.
The message was repeated later on Thursday at a public meeting in Rothbury where Chief Superintendent Mark Dennett - area commander for Northumberland - and Temporary Chief Constable Sue Sim faced local residents.
Dennett told those gathered: "We believe Mr Moat's main grievances are against the police. However, more recent information received, indicates Mr Moat may now pose a threat to the wider public. There is a heightened risk, but nothing to suggest Mr Moat is intending to target a specific part of the community. Our message is to go about your business as usual, but be vigilant."
Responding to a question suggesting that Moat might need to restock on food and water, Dennett said he agreed, and urged people to "be vigilant, lock your doors, lock your windows, be aware of what you're doing".
Northumbria police said earlier they believed Moat was still in the Rothbury area of Northumberland, but that they were continuing the investigation in a wider area.
Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Adamson confirmed that two men arrested on Wednesday had been "charged with conspiracy to commit murder and possessing a firearm with intent".
He said that the two men, a 26-year-old from North Tyneside, and a 23-year old from Northumberland appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday morning and had been remanded in custody.
Adamson also revealed that a further two men had been arrested on Wednesday afternoon in the Rothbury area "on suspicion of assisting an offender".
He warned that anyone found to have assisted or harboured Moat would be arrested and prosecuted.
Heavily armed police continued to scour the fields, forests and derelict houses of this picturesque rural part of northeast England.
Police were seen escorting an unidentified individual along a country lane, carefully shielded from view.
It was not clear how this related to the investigation.
The brother of the policeman thought to have been shot and injured by Moat gave an emotional statement in Newcastle on Thursday.
Darren Rathband said his brother David, who was recovering in hospital, was "an inspiration" and should be "an inspiration to everybody involved in this investigation".
Constable David Rathband was shot in the face and chest in Newcastle on Sunday.
Moat is also wanted for allegedly wounding his ex-girlfriend, Samantha Stobbart, 22, and killing her new boyfriend 29-year-old karate instructor Chris Brown on Saturday.
APTN