| UK threat level increased to 'critical' following recent incidents
Following the terrorist incidents in London on Friday and Glasgow on Saturday, the UK threat level has been increased to 'critical'. This is the highest level under the UK’s current terrorism warning system and means that a terrorist attack is expected imminently. MI5 has placed responsibility for the recent attacks on Al Qaida influenced international terrorism with attacks possible by ‘Al Qaida and associated networks, and those who share Al Qaida's ideology but do not have direct contact with them’. However, MI5 also warns that the risk of domestic terrorism related to Northern Ireland remains a threat, “principally from dissident Irish Republican and Loyalist terrorist groups”. Official information for businesses on how to implement anti-terror security measures can be found at: IMPACTS ON LONDON The MPS has conducted an immediate further review of policing plans in London to ensure that they are commensurate with the current threat level. Security at Heathrow Airport has been thoroughly reviewed, in conjunction with key partners, and we have introduced enhanced levels of policing and security. This includes increased patrols by armed officers and the closure of access to the forecourts. This is for the reassurance and security of the public, and the measures that have been introduced are within our well established contingency plans. We are in liaison with colleagues in surrounding Forces to the Airport. The same approach is being taken at London City Airport. Policing levels across the Capital were reviewed following Friday's incidents we have deployed an enhanced number of officers for high visibility policing and this is continuing for the foreseeable future. We are working closely with our colleagues from British Transport Police and the City of London Police to ensure this enhanced policing is replicated across the Capital. Any additional measures that are needed will be taken. STRATHCLYDE POLICE PRESS CONFERENCE At the press conference, Strathclyde Police Assistant Chief Constable (Crime) Operations Mr John LS Malcolm, appealed for information on the green Jeep Cherokee. He said: “The Jeep Cherokee with the registration number L808 RDT has now been removed from the airport and we can now confirm that no other person was found within the vehicle. Further forensic tests will be carried out on this jeep and detailed examination will take place at the scene of the incident, which remains cordoned off. “Of the two men arrested yesterday afternoon, I can confirm that one man remains in a critical condition within the Royal Alexandra Hospital. He is under armed police guard and he is believed to have been the driver of the vehicle. “The other man, a 27 year-old remains in police custody.” ACC Malcom continued: “We are receiving an excellent response from the public with an average of 100 calls every hour. Our communities are outraged at this act and are fully supportive of our actions. “We are satisfied that this investigation is progressing at pace and we have extensive resources dedicated to this enquiry. “As this investigation continues, searches continue at addresses in the Renfrewshire area. We are unable to divulge details of these searches for operational reasons. However, they are connected with the ongoing terrorist enquiry. Accompanying ACC Malcolm was Peter Clarke, Deputy Assistant Commissionaire of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command and National Co-ordinator of Terrorist Investigations, who added: “In terms of the wider investigation, we are learning a great deal about the people who were involved in the attacks here in Glasgow and the attempted attacks in central London. “The links between the three attacks are becoming ever clear. We are pursuing many lines of enquiry. I am confident, absolutely confident, that in the coming days and weeks, we will be able to gain a thorough understanding of the methods used by the terrorists, the way they planned their attacks and the network to which they belong. “My job here in Glasgow has been to ensure that the investigation into the London attacks, and yesterday’s attack at Glasgow Airport are totally co-ordinated. “Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command are working very closely with our colleagues from the Strathclyde Police – and indeed from a number of police forces across the country. “The forensic examination of the vehicles involved in these attacks is proving to be extremely valuable.” DAC Clarke continued: “I would urge the public to stay alert. I shall repeat what I have already said before, that public safety is, has always been and will remain, our top priority, and we shall be doing everything we can to keep you safe.” NO CHANGE EXPECTS TO US THREAT LEVEL We have been in close contact with our counterparts in the UK regarding today’s incident at the Glasgow airport and yesterday’s car bomb discoveries in London. Our law enforcement and intelligence officials are closely monitoring the ongoing investigations. The senior leadership of the US government has been meeting on these issues both yesterday and today. DHS and the FBI have provided updates and protective measures guidance to our state and local homeland security and law enforcement partners. At this point, I have seen no specific, credible information suggesting that this latest incident is connected to a threat to the homeland. We have no plans at this time to change the national threat level, although we remind everyone that the aviation threat level has been raised to orange since last fall. However, in an abundance of caution during this holiday period, DHS will be implementing plans to increase our security measures at U.S. airports, mass transit and other transportation facilities. Some of these measures will be visible; others will not. As always, airline passengers should arrive at the airport with sufficient time for security clearance. We encourage the public to go about their business and recreational plans as usual, but remain vigilant to the events happening in your environment and report any suspicious activities to authorities. BCI ADVICE The Business Continuity Institute has issued advice for actions that business continuity managers should consider following the recent terrorism events in the UK : 1. Hold a prompt meeting with heads of BC, risk, business, security, insurance, FM etc. to urgently review BC arrangements by identifying possible/obvious terrorist related exposures that could impact staff, contractors, visitors, all primary operations, supply routes and all other features that might have been identified in any pre-prepared BC management structure and plans. 2. Review features such as proximity to possible targets based on alleged terrorist recent history, e.g. night clubs, transport hubs – and what to do if any device detonates and/or immediate evacuations (for unspecified periods of time) are triggered by Police as a safety measure. 3. If at all possible, conduct at least one table top or real time rehearsal to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency and the incident management team can quickly be set up to make rapid decisions in situations where accurate details will most likely, be difficult to obtain.
If requested by UK authorities, INTERPOL can issue one of its colour-coded international notices to alert law enforcement around the world of the devices or components used (Orange Notice), to obtain additional information about individuals in relation to the investigation (Green Notice), or to seek the arrest of individuals wanted in connection with the attempted attacks (Red Notice). INTERPOL also stands ready to conduct urgent searches of its police databases, including names of suspects, stolen or lost travel documents, fingerprints, DNA profiles and stolen motor vehicles, or to provide specialised criminal analysis for determining potential links between internationally known criminal suspects or incidents. As during previous terrorist attacks or potential attacks, INTERPOL’s 24-hour Command and Co-ordination Centre has put a priority on messages from the Interpol National Central Bureau in London or from any of the organization’s 186 member countries which could assist the investigation. The organization offered similar assistance after the terrorist attacks on London’s transportation system almost two years ago.
•Date: 2nd July 2007• Region: UK •Type: Article •Topic: Warnings
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