Deputy Chief Constable Advises Derbyshire Following The Manchester Terror Attack

Derbyshire’s Deputy Chief Constable, Peter Goodman, wants to reassure Derbyshire residents about policing and security in the county following the Manchester terror attack.

Shortly after 10.30pm on Monday, May 22, a lone terrorist detonated a bomb near one of the exits at the Manchester Area, as concert goers were leaving the venue.

In addition to the attacker, 22 people have died and 64 have been injured.

Last night, Prime Minster Theresa May announced that the UK threat from international terrorism has risen from ‘severe’ to ‘critical,’ meaning an attack is expected imminently.

The raised threat level means soldiers will be deployed to protect key sites, including some iconic locations in London. They will have a protective security role, freeing up police firearms officers to respond to any incidents.

Where it is necessary, Derbyshire Constabulary may call upon the police reserves to aid any response to incidents, though they do not expect military personnel to be deployed in Derbyshire at this moment in time.

An assessment is being made of key sites across the county, and forthcoming public events, and security arrangements for these will be regularly reviewed.

Mr Goodman said: “Police forces across the country are doing everything they can to prevent attacks and protect the public from harm. In response to this heightened threat, the public may see an increased policing and security presence to help reassure communities but there is no cause for alarm.

“In Derbyshire, increased armed patrols and resources will be made available but these will be used discretely to avoid any heightening of community fears. The other forces in the East Midlands will also be increasing their armed resources and patrols to provide additional resilience both regionally and nationally.

“Terrorists want to create discord, distrust and fear. We stand together with all communities in Derbyshire and we would ask residents to be our eyes and ears and report anything suspicious they may see, be this a package, person or vehicle.

“The community stands strong together and we have not seen a rise in reported hate crime but if anyone feels they have been a victim of this, I would urge them to contact police.”

A webpage with advice for victims and those affected by the attack has gone live on gov.uk

The latest guidance on recognising the terrorist threat and remaining vigilant can be accessed via www.nactso.gov.uk

They advise the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity on 0800 789 321 or in an emergency the public should always call 999. For further information about reporting suspicious behaviour visit https://act.campaign.gov.uk/.