Know the Game Plan - sports fans urged to be vigilant

The key ‘Know the Game Plan’ advice all fans going to stadium based events is:

- Arrive early, allowing more time for security checks

- Minimise what you carry, fewer bag searches will speed up entry to the ground

- Be vigilant at all times and if you see anything suspicious, tell a steward right away

- If you see anything that could pose an immediate threat to safety, call 999

- In an emergency inside the stadium, listen to the Public Address instructions and follow them

- If told to evacuate, do so immediately, do not wait around to film events on your mobile

- Move right away from the stadium as quickly as possible for your safety and to allow clear access for any emergency vehicles

- Once you are safe, follow the local police force on Twitter.

New national police coordinator or protective security
Chief Superintendent Nick Aldworth is the new police National Coordinator for Protective Security, replacing CS Scott Wilson who has retired from the service.

Nick started his career in policing in 1990 after serving in the Royal Air Force Regiment. Initially he joined the Thames Valley force where he worked in a variety of uniform and armed policing roles. On transferring to the MPS he joined the Specialist Firearms Unit, SCO19 and was the Tactical Firearms Commander for Central London throughout the 2012 Olympics.

A year later Nick was posted to the Palace of Westminster as Chief Inspector Operations and Security, responsible for the day-to-day leadership of 500 staff delivering the policing and security plan across both Houses of Parliament. Later he was promoted to Protective Security Operations (CT PSO) with the responsibility of delivering security measures and advice across London, as well as providing intelligence to armed protection operations in the UK and abroad. Nick successfully led PSO throughout the terrorist attacks of 2017 - a period of his career he says he is most proud of.

Earlier this year he took on his current role and the responsibility for helping all police forces deliver protective security as well as working with partners to ensure UK policing is resilient enough to respond to terrorist attacks. The post includes supporting the management of the National CBRNe Centre, the development of specialist CT armed policing capabilities and organisational learning for CT across the UK and overseas.

www.npcc.police.uk