Emergency services test terrorism response on cross-channel ferry

Emergency services have come together to test a multi-agency response to a major terrorism incident on a cross-channel ferry.

The exercise was carried out on a Brittany Ferries cross-channel ferry at the Port of Poole in Dorset and involved several hundred people. It was coordinated by Counter Terrorism Policing South West (CTPSW) working alongside Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) and other blue light partners.

The exercise tested the way police and partners like ambulance and fire teams reacted to challenging, dynamic incidents both on and offshore.

The event is part of a regular national testing and exercising programme and was not in response to any specific threat or intelligence.

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’s Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne said: “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.”