Counter terrorism police urge public to be vigilant as lockdown continues to ease

Members of the public and businesses are being warned that they must be alert to the threat of terrorism this summer as the Covid-19 lockdown eases.
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Counter terrorism officers are warning that as lockdown restrictions ease, the greater the opportunity for terrorists to operate across the country.

The threat level to the UK from terrorism remain at substantial, meaning an attack us likely and as non-essential shops, hospitality and sports events begin to open up, security experts have launched a new vigilance campaign.

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It aims to encourage everyone to help the police tackle any potential threats from terrorists and save lives by reporting any concerns.

The public are warned to be vigilant against the threat of terrorism as lockdown eases.The public are warned to be vigilant against the threat of terrorism as lockdown eases.
The public are warned to be vigilant against the threat of terrorism as lockdown eases.
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The Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, Detective Chief Superintendent Martin Snowden said: “Following a year of restrictions impacting all our lives, we recognise people will be keen to get out and about as the lockdown restrictions ease, and the importance of businesses being able to return to more regular trading patterns.

“But we must continue to follow public health guidance and remain vigilant, not just against the threat of the virus but against the threat of terrorism as well.

“Terrorism will understandably not have been high on anyone’s mind in recent months, and I would describe the threat as temporarily suppressed during lockdown, because it was difficult to go out in public and actually do anything.

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“But that means that as the crowded places which have traditionally been the target for terrorists start to fill with people again, there is always the potential for that risk to come back.

Counter Terrorism Policing have created a free online e-learning course, which hundreds of thousands of people across the UK have already completed.

Detective Chief Superintendent Snowden added: “This training could save your life, or the lives of others, regrettably, we know all too well that a terror attack can happen anywhere and at any time.

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“Taking part in our free training and remaining vigilant when you’re out and about this summer helps keep us all safe, and creates a hostile place for terrorists to operate.”

Anyone wanting to access the online course can do so by visiting https://ct.highfieldelearning.com.

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