WARWICKSHIRE Police has issued a statement after the UK’s terror threat level was raised to ‘severe’ following the murder of MP Sir David Amess and an explosion outside Liverpool Women’s Hospital.
The force’s Deputy Chief Constable Alex Franklin Smith said the threat level being increased from ‘substantial’ to ‘severe’ meant further attacks were considered to be ‘highly likely’.
He said: “The events in Liverpool over the weekend, the murder of MP Sir David Amess in Essex, and the resulting change in threat level will no doubt be a cause of significant concern, and I wanted to give some information and reassurance about what this means for us all here in Warwickshire.
“The change in the threat status is in response to those recent events and is a precautionary measure, not based on any specific threat.”
However, he said residents needed to be vigilant.
“Warwickshire Police will continue to be visible in our communities, and will be working with partner agencies, local businesses and faith groups to share information and advice on security, what to be on the look-out for and how to report any concerns.
“Communities defeat terrorism, and we are asking that the public remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. Our efforts can only succeed with the support of the public, and communities across the country have shown time and time again that they are united in their rejection of any who seek to divide us.”
Emad Al Swealmeen has been named as the man who died when a homemade device blew up in the back of a taxi outside Liverpool Women’s Hospital on Sunday (November 14). Police have declared it to be a terrorist incident.
Sir David Amess died last month after he was stabbed multiple times during a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. Ali Harbi Ali, 25, has been charged with his murder, and with preparing acts of terror.
Report anything suspicious in confidence to the anti-terrorist hotline via www.gov.uk/ACT or by calling 0800 789 321.
Visit www.actearly.uk for more information about what to do if you are concerned about the behaviour of someone close to you, including how to spot the signs of radicalisation and where to go for support.
