COVENTRY is ‘prepared’ for a terrorist attack and is showing ‘unity between communities’, civic leaders have said in a joint statement.
Leading figures at Coventry City Council were responding to the latest attack – on Saturday night at London Bridge and Borough Market – which killed seven people and left dozens injured, the third in three months.
The statement itself is a show of unity between political parties in the run-up to the general election this week.
The joint statement from the Lord Mayor, Tony Skipper, council leader George Duggins (Labour), deputy leader Abdul Khan, and the leader of the opposition, Conservative councillor Gary Ridley reads:
“We are once again flying the union flag at half mast and have a book of condolence in the main Coventry City Council House reception for anyone who wishes to write their messages of sympathy following the weekend attack in London.
“Our thoughts are with all the innocent victims, their loved ones and everyone caught up in the horrendous attack on Saturday evening. There have also been many reports of the bravery of emergency services and residents who did all they could to help the casualties.
“Coventry is continuing to show unity between communities and organisations are working closely together particularly as we continue to organise and manage events and community activities in the coming weeks.
“This was a cowardly attack on innocent people simply going about their business on a night out in London.
“Here in Coventry we remain prepared to deal with an incident of this kind and we will continue to review our plans with the police in light of this latest attack.
“The local authority continues to work with West Midlands Police and other partners to keep Coventry safe and their advice is to be alert but not alarmed.
“People are advised that they should look out for anything that seems out of place, unusual or doesn’t seem to fit in with day-to-day life.
“There are many ways you can report – through local police on 101 or in an emergency 999, via the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 and online you can click the red button on the West Midlands Police website to report online terrorist and extremist material.
“People can pick up the latest advice from West Midlands Police on social media wmpolice.”
