The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Lincolnshire Police have been joining forces across the East Midlands to supporting National Counter Terrorism Week.
Across the region, police and partner agencies have been delivering briefings and presentations focusing on different aspects of tackling terrorism, including crowded places, transport, preventing extremism, financing of terrorism and firearms and explosives.
Deputy Chief Constable East Midlands Peter Goodman said: “In the East Midlands our officers are working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to protect the public from a terrorist attack.
“While there is currently no known direct threat to our region, nationally several plots have been disrupted and many arrests have been made.
“We know that a number of our residents have travelled to Syria and Iraq because they sympathise with groups engaged in the conflict in that part of the world, so we know there are people living in the East Midlands who are open to groups who may openly promote violence and terrorism, so we cannot afford to be complacent.
“We want residents to be alert, but not alarmed. There is much that we can all do as citizens and as service providers, business owners or as managers of public areas and facilities to help bolster the protection provided by the police, and to prevent the opportunity for a terrorist attack in our region.”
Throughout the week, however, the overriding message is a direct appeal to all members of the public.
“Please tell us if you know or suspect something; your information could save lives,” said Mr Goodman.
“We will deal with information passed to us carefully and respond sensitively and proportionately.”
There is a national hotline which can be called to report concerns or suspicions on 0800 789 321.
