WORCESTER residents are being urged to remain vigilant following the UK threat level being increased to critical, which will see an ‘enhanced level of visible policing’ in key locations across the City.
Prime Minister Theresa May announced the UK’s terror threat level was being raised from severe to critical on Tuesday night, meaning a terror attack may be imminent.
The announcement came after Manchester Arena suicide bomber, Salman Abedi, killed 22 people and injured 116 on Monday night at a pop concert.
Assistant Chief Constable Martin Evans, of West Mercia Police, said the move for more visible policing at forthcoming events across the City and county will provide community reassurance.
He also called on Worcester residents to be the ‘eyes and ears’ of the force.
“As you will be aware the UK threat level has been increased to critical and Operation Temperer, the deployment of military personnel alongside and in support of firearms officers, has been initiated and now been in operation for more than 24 hours,” he said.
“Across the West Mercia Police force area we’re committed to doing everything possible to protect our communities from harm. The role West Mercia Police has within the communities we serve is vital at the best of times, but never more so than now.
“For the next few days our communities will see and feel an enhanced level of visible policing in key locations to help provide them with the additional reassurance they need.
“We’re reviewing a number of forthcoming public events that are due to take place in the counties we serve and will be ensuring we provide the right level of visible policing and community reassurance at these.
“We’re advising the public to remain vigilant, to be alert and not alarmed and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity.
“Communities defeat terrorism, which is why we must maintain the strong relationship between the public and police. We depend on information from the public, who can be our eyes and ears, in our efforts to keep us all safe,” he added.
Call 0800 789 321 to report suspicious behaviour or visit www.act.campaign.gov.uk for more information.
