Police officers and staff have today been reminded of the need to be vigilant for their personal safety

In August the Home Secretary announced the national threat level had increased from substantial to severe. This means a terrorist attack is highly likely.

More specific threat and intelligence assessments are not published. However, police officers and staff around the country have today been reminded of the need to be vigilant for their personal safety.

National Policing Lead for Counter-Terrorism, Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said "The threat level to police officers and staff has been heightened, but we are used to confronting risk and danger, this is what we do on a daily basis, and we are well trained.

"We are informing our officers and staff of the heightened risk and reminding them to remain vigilant and alert to any possible dangers. We are asking them to follow existing policies and good practice. Measures are being put in place to increase the vigilance of officers and staff.

"All police forces constantly review their security and safety procedures and this will, of course, continue. You will see no major changes in the way we continue to police the UK and engage with our communities - our emphasis is on vigilance."

We will continue to build on existing community relations and work closely with them to ask for their help in combating terrorism. We therefore continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police.

In particular we need communities and families to bring to our attention anyone they perceive may be vulnerable or in danger of escalating towards terrorism. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Anti Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.

For more information contact

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk