Bedfordshire emergency services test terrorism response

Emergency services from across Bedfordshire tested their response to a terrorist incident last week during a training exercise held at MOD Chicksands.

The multi-agency exercise, which was planned and organised by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU), looked to test a number of specialist capabilities across policing and other agencies.

The one-day exercise, which took place on Thursday (27 March), involved personnel and specialist teams from police, ambulance, fire service and Central Bedfordshire Council, and was a ‘live-play’ incident with fictional terrorist events.

The scenario tested the way police and partners reacted to challenging, dynamic situations, including ambulance and fire teams, who would also have key roles in the event of a terror incident.

ERSOU’s Counter Terrorism Policing team is part of a national network of units dedicated to responding to the threat of terrorism.

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

Deputy Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police, Dan Vajzovic, who was present at the exercise, said: “Exercises like this are vital for us and our partners to put our procedures and tactics into practice, ensuring we’re prepared if ever needed. This exercise has helped to strengthen inter-agency relationships within the County and across the region.

“It was reassuring to see how the effective way in which all of our partner organisations were able to work together to safely resolve the scenario that they were presented with. There was a lot of valuable learning we can take away and share with others up and down the country.

“Fortunately, terror incidents are rare, but we are better prepared than ever to respond if required. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone involved in pulling the exercise together, along with those who took part.”

Ade Yule, resilience coordinator at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: "Training with our partners enables us to bring our expertise to the table, whilst also learning more about how others work, so that we're in the best position possible to support our communities when they need us most.

“This was a valuable exercise and a huge thank you to all involved for making it happen."

The public are crucial to the work of police forces and Counter Terrorism Policing in keeping people safe. If you see something doesn’t feel right, contact your local force or report it online.