A message from Dorset Police following the incident near to London Bridge on 29 November 2019.
Firstly, I want to say that our thoughts are with the family and friends of those caught up in the dreadful incident at London Bridge. It is an absolute tragedy for everyone affected and on behalf of everybody within I want to extend my deepest sympathies.
Since the national threat level was lowered to substantial last month, Counter Terrorism Policing continue to remind businesses and the wider community that the threat is still very real. Substantial means that an attack is likely, and today’s tragic event has unfortunately shown us that this is very much the case.
I encourage you as our senior business partners, to review your security plans and processes in light of today’s incident. Links to our crowded places guidance, our eLearning product and Run Hide Tell advice have been circulated in our earlier bulletins following today’s incident. I would encourage you all to visit the NaCTSO and CPNI websites and ensure that you are fully aware of the advice that is available to you.
The incident is linked to The Fishmongers Hall venue where events take place. I therefore strongly advise businesses who are hosting events in the future to review both their risk assessments in relation to attendance lists and accreditation, and also their search and screening policies.
Further information around search and screening advice can be found on the CPNI website and also within NaCTSO’s Crowded Places Guidance documents, to be found on the NaCTSO website.
https://www.cpni.gov.uk/content/search-and-screening
Whilst we investigate the circumstances, this incident has been a reminder to us all that attacks can take place at any time and without warning. Therefore it is vitally important everyone remains alert but not alarmed. We, along with our partners in the intelligence services are doing everything we can right across the country to help prevent further attacks. But we do need your help.
Communities defeat terrorism, which is why we must maintain the strong relationship between the public and the police. We depend on you to be our extra eyes and ears to help keep all of our communities safe. We advise everyone to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity to police, in confidence online at gov.uk/ACT or in an emergency the public should always call 999.
If you get caught up in the rare event of a weapons attack we urge you to follow the Run, Hide, Tell advice.
Dorset Police