Emergency services test terror response

Emergency services have carried out a multi-agency simulation designed to test the effectiveness of a joint response to a marauding terrorist attack (MTA) near the Sellafield nuclear site. 

Exercise Merlin took place at Griffin Park and focused on delivering a co-ordinated Operation Plato response involving Authorised Firearms Officers (AFOs) from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) and Cumbria Constabulary.

This is the first time Sellafield AFOs have deployed alongside their Cumbria counterparts.

The exercise aimed to validate the effectiveness of a joint tactical firearms response to an MTA scenario, test command handover procedures between the CNC’s Sellafield Incident Manager (SIM) and Cumbria’s Force Incident Manager (FIM), as well as strengthen tactical co-ordination among site-based and regional response units.

Following the exercise, participating agencies highlighted the value of operating in a live, high-stakes simulation. Teams reported strong communication, clear leadership, and operational learning.

Assistant Chief Constable Mick Vance said: "I want to extend my sincere thanks to all those who planned, supported and participated in this important multi-agency exercise. I understand the level of planning that goes into these events, and it was pleasing to see the co-ordination of partner agencies in response to a credible and challenging scenario."