Police increase patrols in Evesham after UK terror threat level raised to 'critical' - The Evesham Observer

Police increase patrols in Evesham after UK terror threat level raised to 'critical'

Evesham Editorial 24th May, 2017 Updated: 24th May, 2017   0

THERE will be an increased police presence in Evesham as a result of the UK terror threat being raised to its highest level.

Chief Inspector Neil Austin, Area Commander for Malvern and Wychavon, told the Observer more police will now be on patrol in the town.

It follows a meeting with officers at Evesham Police Station where be briefed staff on the increased threat level, personal safety and public reassurance.

Last night Prime Minister Theresa May announced the UK’s terror threat level was being raised from severe to critical, meaning more attacks may be imminent.




It also means the military will now be deployed at key sites across the UK.

The Prime Minister said the decision was made to raise the threat level because of fears the Manchester Arena suicide bomber, Salman Abedi, did not act alone.


22 people died in the attack on Monday night and 64 people were injured.

On Twitter, Evesham Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Don’t be alarmed if you notice more police locally in town.

“Please stop us and have a chat we will always welcome that with a smile.”

The Assistant Chief Constable of West Mercia Police, Martin Evans, said in a statement that, although there is no specific threat to Worcestershire, they will continue to provide a visible police presence in order to reassure members of the public.

“Along with our partners we continue to do everything we can to help protect our communities,” he said.

“As you would expect, we are reviewing our activities, including those in crowded places and for pre-planned events and whilst at this time there is no intelligence to suggest a specific threat in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Worcestershire we are continuing to provide a visible policing presence to offer reassurance to our communities.

“We have an established plan in place if it is necessary to manage the deployment of military personnel in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Worcestershire and our security measures and activities are under constant review to reflect where the threats exist and the level of threat we are facing in the county.

“Acts of terrorism and hate crimes are committed by a small minority of people and are not representative of the public. This is a time for us all to work closely together and unite against those who seek, through violence and extremism, to intimidate or cause fear.

“Therefore we need your help; please remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity on 0800 789 321 or in an emergency always call 999.

“There is also easy-to-remember national guidance of ‘Run, Hide, Tell’ – run to a place of safety, hide in a secure place, when it’s safe to do so, tell police by calling 999.”

 

 

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