Despite the increase in the threat level of further terrorist attacks in the UK, there are no immediate plans to deploy military personnel onto the streets of Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland.
That decision was taken by senior officers in Leicestershire Police earlier this morning (Wednesday 24 May) following a thorough assessment of the local situation throughout the night.
However, the public will see an increase in patrols of armed and unarmed officers at key locations in the force area in the coming hours and days.
Detailed discussions will also be taking place with the managers of key sporting and entertainment venues and with the organisers of public events due to be held in the coming weeks, to ensure proportionate security arrangements are in place to protect the public.
The threat level of further terrorist attacks in the UK was increased last night to “critical” – meaning a further attack somewhere in the UK is assessed to be imminent.
As a result, a national operation called “Temperer” was invoked, allowing for military personnel to be deployed alongside Police Officers to reassure the public and to deter, disrupt and prevent terrorist activity.
But following a meeting of senior police personnel in Leicestershire this morning, there are no immediate plans to seek military assistance on the streets locally.
Deputy Chief Constable Roger Bannister said: “We have conducted a thorough assessment of the threat in Leicestershire and our well-established plans to respond to such an increased threat.
“Whilst we will be increasing patrols in key places and constantly reviewing the local and national picture, we have no immediate plans to seek the deployment of the military onto our streets.”
He added: “Communities defeat terrorism, which is why we must maintain the strong and positive relationship between ourselves and our many diverse communities. We depend on information from the public, who can be our eyes and ears, in our efforts to keep us all safe.
“What happened on Monday evening in Manchester was truly horrific and our thoughts are very much with those who lost their lives and were injured.
“This is a time for us all to stay calm, to work closely together, and to unite against those who seek, through violence and extremism, to intimidate or to cause fear.”
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Posted on Wednesday 24th May 2017