The threat level from international terrorism in the UK was raised, from ‘severe’ to the highest, ‘critical’, on Tuesday evening, May 23. Soldiers can be expected to be on the streets beside police.
As Met Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, pictured, Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, said, that means that the assessment is not only that an attack remains highly likely but a further attack may be imminent.
He said late last night: “The public would expect the police to do everything possible to prevent further attacks and keep them safe. We are flexing our resources to increase police presence at key sites, such as transport and other crowded places and we are reviewing key events over the coming weeks. As the Prime Minister has already said this evening I have asked for support from the military to be deployed alongside the police. This will free up armed officers from certain guarding duties to release our officers to support the wider response.
“This is part of an agreed and well-rehearsed plan and military personnel will remain under the command and control of the police service.”
For his statement in full visit the Met Police website: http://news.met.police.uk/news/statement-from-assistant-commissioner-mark-rowley-243380.
For more on the threat levels, visit the MI5 website.
After the Manchester Arena attack, the Home Office website has a page of advice on where to seek assistance and information, including the official helplines.
For a page of guidance from the SIA, visit the Security Industry Authority website.
