Terror warning for Trafford Centre, Arndale, and United and City as police help step up Christmas security

Police say public also have a role to play as business bosses briefed on 'increase in international terrorism threat'

Businesses across Greater Manchester were today being told by counter terrorism police to be on alert for a potential pre-Christmas attack.

GMP, along with other forces across the north west, were briefing companies including bosses of shopping centres, cinema complexes, sporting stadiums, plus places of worship. Continue...

Manchester’s Arndale Centre, Printworks, the Trafford Centre, United’s Old Trafford ground and City’s Etihad Stadium are expected to be among eleven venues across the region where police will be helping to step up their security and train staff.

 

Piccadilly Station

Manchester’s Victoria and Piccadilly train stations and the Metrolink tram system plus big venues like Manchester Arena are also likely to be included in the initiative.

A Counter Terrorism Awareness Week launched today in which police are urging the public and firms to play their part in keeping the region safe. It highlights where action by the police, businesses and the public can prevent terrorism, vigilance in crowded places and transport hubs, preventing violent extremism, cutting off terrorist financing, and preventing access to tools that terrorists need to operate.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Wiggett, the north west lead for counter terrorism, said: “Following the increase of the international terrorism threat to severe, there is a heightened need to ensure that the north west is in the best position to deter and detect potential terrorist threats.

“This is not about scaring people, but highlighting that everybody, from law enforcement to businesses, to the general public, has a role to play in keeping the UK safe from terrorism. We encourage people to be vigilant to things that are out of place or suspicious and report it to the police.”

Source: M.E.N