Cheshire Police – terrorism threat still ‘severe’

Cheshire Police have issued the following statement relating to the attack last week at the Manchester Arena.

On Saturday, 27 May 2017 the Government announced a reduction in the UK terror threat level from Critical to Severe following developments in the investigation relating to the attack at the Manchester Arena.

This means that a further terrorist threat in the UK is now assessed as being highly likely.

The withdrawal of Operation Temperer resources has now commenced across the UK.

Cheshire Constabulary has stood down the overt armed foot patrol conducted by Cheshire and North Wales Alliance officers, ably assisted by colleagues from the Ministry of Defence.

Additional armed and unarmed resources will remain on duty as we commence our de-escalation plan to return to an appropriate level of policing for the threat level of Severe.

With the threat level still at Severe, members of the public are urged to remain vigilant.

We would remind people to be alert, not alarmed and report any suspicious activity to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or by dialing 999.

Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey said: “I would like to thank communities across Cheshire for the wonderful assistance they have provided during what has been a difficult time.

“We have all been very proud to see the way the county has pulled together following the attack in Manchester to help reassure and keep residents, workers and visitors to Cheshire safe.

“The tragic events in Manchester touched us all and our thoughts are still very much with all those affected, including the family, friends and colleagues of our own officer, Elaine McIver, who was one of the 22 who died.

“The terror threat level has now been reduced from Critical to Severe, which means an attack is still assessed as being highly likely.

“Whilst armed patrols and support from the Ministry of Defence will be scaled back in line with national protocols, we will still have a strong police presence on the streets and armed officers will continue to support this.

“I would remind members of the public to remain vigilant and report any concerns or suspicions to us immediately.”

Cheshire Police & Crime Commissioner David Keane added: “During the past week we have seen some wonderful work by our officers and staff to help ensure people across Cheshire have been kept safe following the devastating attack in Manchester.

“With the terror threat level now reduced to Severe I would urge members of the public to remain vigilant. It is as important as ever that any suspicious activity is reported immediately.”