Avon and Somerset Police has reassured residents that there is “no known terrorism threat to the South West” despite raised concerns nationally.
The UK terror threat has been increased to ‘critical’ following Friday’s terror incident on a tube train at London’s Parsons Green station, which injured 29 people.
Local Police have issued a statement, saying: “The threat level of international terrorism in the UK has been raised to critical following the terrorism incident in London.”
“The rise in the national threat level, which means another attack may be imminent, follows the incident at Parsons Green London Underground Station.”
“Military personnel will be drafted in to protect national infrastructure sites, allowing additional armed police officers to carry out patrols and support the wider UK response.”
“Communities across the UK can expect to see more officers, both armed and unarmed, on patrol by foot and in vehicles over the weekend. In particular, they will be patrolling at crowded places, iconic sites, transport hubs and ports.”
“We’d like to stress that there’s currently no known threat to the South West and it is unlikely members of the public will see military on the streets of Avon and Somerset, although the situation is being kept under constant review.”
“Our message is clear: please remain alert but don’t be alarmed. The increase in the number of officers on duty is designed to provide a highly visible and reassuring presence. We’ll do this for as long as necessary.”
“We have well-established and well-rehearsed plans in place to deal with attacks of this nature and these are tested regularly with partners to ensure we’re as ready as we possibly can be. We’ll always do everything possible to keep people safe.”
“We’d urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour or activity to us on 101 or via the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency the public should always call 999.”
