Public urged to 'stay alert' ahead of summer of events

Counter terrorism police are urging people to "stay alert and help keep each other safe" ahead of a busy summer of events.

The national terrorism threat level increased to "severe" in April for the first time in more than four years, meaning an attack is highly likely - and so Merseyside Police has launched its summer Project Servator campaign.

A force spokesperson said: "Whilst major events bring communities together, they can sadly also be attractive targets, so it's vital to stay alert."

They said the public "has a vital role to play by trusting their instincts and reporting anything that doesn't feel right".

Ch Insp Steve Cooke called on the public to "share concerns with staff, security, or police".

"You won't be wasting our time. In an emergency, call 999," he added.

Ch Insp Cooke said the force had been using Project Servator in Merseyside since 2018 and these deployments remained central to their protective security approach.

"These patrols are deliberately unpredictable and use uniformed and plain-clothes officers who are specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone may be gathering information to help them plan criminal activity," he added.

"Project Servator officers also engage with members of the public and local business staff during deployments, encouraging them to act as extra eyes and ears in their communities."

He said there would be support from a range of specialist resources, including firearms officers, dog handlers, and their colleagues at City Watch who provide round-the-clock CCTV monitoring across the force area.

Counter Terrorism Policing's campaign activity includes providing the most up-to-date information that will keep the public safe in the event of a terrorist incident, reminding people that the Run Hide Tell advice can save lives.

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