Multi-agency exercise tests response to major terrorist incident

Exercise Midnight Belle was designed to provide a valuable opportunity to develop and strengthen emergency responses for handling major incidents and ensure clear lines of communication between all of those involved.

It tested participants from British Transport Police (BTP), West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Counter Terrorism Policing North East (CTPNE) on their response to a major incident at Leeds Railway Station. Network Rail, train companies and Leeds City Council were also involved in the multi-agency exercise.

Exercise Midnight Belle had a two-fold approach to replicate a large-scale incident. The live-play exercise began outside the station with an attack on pedestrians using a vehicle, before the driver and passenger moved into the station with bladed weapons, causing multiple casualties. This phase saw the initial emergency service response on foot.

A further attacker then carried out a similar attack on board a train arriving at Leeds station, after using an improvised explosive device. The situation then developed into a siege on the train. Utilising the skills of CTPNE negotiators and firearms officers, the threat was neutralised and the people on board the train taken to a place of safety, allowing forensic teams to then begin their initial investigations.

BTP Chief Inspector Tony McGhin said: “While these large-scale incidents are rare, it’s important we continue our regular testing and reviewing to ensure we are as prepared as possible, especially as the findings of inquiries – such as the Manchester Arena Inquiry – have produced important updates for our plans.

“Multi-agency responses to incidents like this are often complex and fast-paced. This exercise gave us an invaluable opportunity to trial our response and communications to minimise harm to the public and effectively tackle threats to the public’s safety.”

Jerry Dickinson, senior incident controller who led organisation of the exercise for Network Rail, said: “The need to test and exercise is fundamental. It helps our people grow more confident and supports our competence. It also demonstrates collaborative working with multiple agencies which will be essential should major incidents occur.

“The exercise successfully met our aims and objectives. A second day involving mock strategic coordination groups also took place with agencies working together on business continuity and commencement of recovery.”

BTP said: “We would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while this testing took place. Additional thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who stepped into various roles to support this and Rapid Relief Team who provided refreshments and ensured everyone was looked after during the exercise.

“The terror threat hasn’t gone away. The threat to the UK from terrorism is substantial, which means an attack is likely.”