Emergency services test multi-agency response to terrorism on a cross-channel ferry

Dorset hosted the event, which took place at the Port of Poole on January 14 and 15, with multiple local and national partners and agencies coming together to test several specialist capabilities.

The exercise involved several hundred people at the Port of Poole and was coordinated by Counter Terrorism Policing South West working alongside Counter Terrorism Policing South East. The two units form part of the national Counter Terrorism Policing network, which is dedicated to responding to the threat of terrorism.

The scenario tested the way police and partners reacted to challenging, dynamic incidents both on and offshore. This included ambulance and fire teams, who also have key roles in the event of a terror incident.

Although the current threat to the UK from terrorism remains at ‘substantial’, the exercise was not in response to any specific threat or intelligence but was part of a regular national testing and exercising programme.

Regional Assistant Chief Constable Andy Hill, speaking on behalf of Counter Terrorism Policing South West, said: “Exercises like this take place regularly across all emergency services and are a crucial way of testing the response that would be required in the event of a major incident such as a terrorist attack.

“Not only do exercises help us all understand each other’s roles, they also provide an opportunity to identify learning, which can then be adopted to strengthen our response and ensure we provide the best possible protection to our communities.

“Counter Terrorism Policing constantly monitors and reviews the plans and measures in place so that we and our partners are ready to respond in the most effective way, should the worst happen.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone involved in pulling the exercise together, along with those who took part.”

Dorset Police Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne added: “We were delighted to host the exercise here in Dorset and work with our partners across the region and beyond.

“This type of training is an integral part of policing and ensures we deliver an immediate and robust response to a major incident with our partners.

“Simply put, this is about protecting the public with a strong and dynamic response that helps us to protect life.

“I would like to personally thank everyone who was involved to make this exercise possible.”

Captain Brian Murphy, chief executive officer of Poole Harbour Commissioners, said it was pleased to support the delivery of this national counter terrorism exercise.

“Hosting an exercise of this scale enabled partners to test coordination, communication, preparedness and response arrangements in a live port environment, while ensuring the continued safety of passengers, staff and harbour users,” he said.

“I would like to thank Counter Terrorism Policing, Dorset Police, Brittany Ferries, and all teams involved in the planning and delivery of this exercise.”

Jo Bussell, Brittany Ferries’ Director UK Ports said: “Taking part in training exercises supports our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our passengers and crew members.”