Manchester attack – statement from Surrey Police
Dear all,
Following the attack in Manchester on Monday night, Surrey Police’s Assistant Chief Constable, Steve Barry, yesterday released the following public statement. Later last night the Prime Minister raised the terror threat level from severe to critical.
“Many of us awoke this morning to the news of what is being treated as a terrorist attack at Manchester Arena last night.
As details continue to emerge about what happened we offer our heartfelt sympathies to the victims, some of whom we now know to be children, and their families.
Our thoughts are also with the community of Manchester and those affected across the region, and our emergency services colleagues who are undoubtedly working tirelessly to investigate what happened and to help all those affected by this tragic event.
In light of yesterday’s attack policing in the UK continues to operate at a heightened state against the backdrop of a ‘severe’ threat level, which has been in place since 2014, and means that an attack is highly likely.
There is no current evidence of any specific threat to community safety in Surrey and policing across the county continues to operate as usual.
We urge the public to remain alert, but not alarmed – our policing tactics and security measures are constantly reviewed and we, along with our partners, are working to ensure that the most appropriate security is in place.
We ask the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity using the anti-terrorist hotline number 0800 789 321 or 999 in an emergency.
This is a time for us all to work closely together and unite against those who seek, through violence and extremism, to intimidate or cause fear.”
Now more than ever we would like to remind the public to be confident in reporting anything they think could be suspicious to police as soon as possible.
We understand that people might hesitate to contact us because they are worried it could be wasting police time. In most cases it will be nothing to be concerned about, but we would rather you called than risk us missing some vital piece of information.
You can find more information and advice in relation to counter terrorism on our website at https://www.surrey.police.uk/advice/protect-yourself-and-others/counter-terrorism/.”