World Cup 2018: Armed police to guard outdoor World Cup screenings

Armed police will be on guard at World Cup events in the UK
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Justin Davenport14 June 2018
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Armed police and undercover officers will be drafted in to protect football fans at outdoor World Cup screenings amid fears they could become targets for terror attacks.

Hundreds of officers will be present in town centres and parks, where huge crowds are expected to watch major games on big screens.

Counter-terror policing launched a campaign today with former England stars Alan Shearer, David Seaman and Paul Parker to urge fans attending large events to be vigilant and alert.

Chief Superintendent Nick Aldworth, the national lead for counter-terrorism protect and prepare policing, said: “We want to encourage people to turn up to these events and to enjoy them and feel safe, but we want them to be aware of safety advice and be ready to act if they spot suspicious behaviour.”

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He emphasised there was no intelligence to indicate any increased threat to World Cup screenings or any other summer events, but added: “Sadly we have seen that these big public events and crowded spaces can be targeted by those who want to cause harm.”

Mr Aldworth said local forces would deploy armed and covert officers around the events, or have firearms specialists on standby ready to respond rapidly to any attack.

Figures released today show a record number of counter-terrorism arrests in the last year, boosted by police operations in response to attacks.

Counter-terrorism officers made 441 arrests in the 12 months to the end of March, a 17 per cent increase on the previous year. In London, the Met used terrorism legislation to carry out 768 stop-and-searches — a 70 per cent rise on the previous year — with 64 arrests.

Fanatics struck five times in the UK last year, on London and Westminster bridges, at Finsbury Park mosque, Manchester Arena and Parsons Green Tube station. Thirty-six people died.

Today’s campaign shows the former football stars urging fans to be alert, saying: “Security is a team effort. If you are going to see a game, have a great time and look out for each other. Know the game plan and stay safe.”

Key advice for people attending public events is: report anything suspicious; dial 999 about an immediate threat; move away from scene of any attack and report it; and follow instructions.

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