Counter-Terrorism Exercise Underway In London

A "major exercise" is currently underway in central London, which will test emergency services and Government response to a terrorist attack.

Held in and around central London, Operation Strong Tower, commenced on Tuesday morning and is expected to last until Wednesday lunch time.

The operation has been planned for over six months and is part of the Government's regular National Counter Terrorism Programme of exercises. It has been developed jointly by the Metropolitan Police Service and the Home Office.

More than 14 different organisations and agencies are taking part.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Maxine de Brunner, Exercise Director, said: "Testing and exercising is a really important way to ensure that our plans to respond to a major incident or terrorist attack are as good as they can be. We put huge effort into our planning and want to test how we all work together.

"The exercise scenario will test our tactical response including working with our emergency services partners, containing the situation, evacuating the injured and managing a crime scene. We've carefully planned the live play elements of this exercise to make sure that any disruption to the public is kept to a minimum."

As the exercises progresses it will test how senior decision makers manage the impact of the incident on responding agencies, an ongoing fast paced counter terrorism investigation and a range of issues that impact on life in the capital.

DAC de Brunner, added: "Sadly, London is no stranger to terrorism. Given the changing nature of the very real terrorism threat and events around the world we need to constantly adapt our plans and prepare for new or emerging threats.

"What is vitally important to all the agencies involved, who work together everyday, and to Londoners is that when the worst happens we are prepared to be the very best we can. We have sound plans and highly dedicated, brave staff that Londoners can be confident in."

(JP)