West Midlands Police is working closely with the Metropolitan Police and other organisations and will take “any steps necessary to keep people safe”, says Chief Constable Dave Thompson.
His comments come shortly after the terror attack in London on Saturday (June 3) when seven people were killed after three attackers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge and launched a knife attack in Borough Market.
Chief Constable Dave Thompson said: “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who lost their lives in London. We also think of those who witnessed terrible acts of violence.
“Among the carnage and confusion of this terror attack, the emergency services and ordinary people displayed remarkable acts of courage and human kindness.
“We’re in close contact with colleagues in the Metropolitan Police to offer our support and to understand more about the attack.
“As people would expect, we’re once again reviewing all of our already well-rehearsed plans and will take any steps necessary to keep people safe.
“Locally, we were quick to respond following Saturday’s attack and purely as a reassurance move we temporarily restricted access to Birmingham’s Broad Street while businesses remained as usual. The restrictions were lifted at 3am having been implemented at 11.30pm.
“Other key locations across the region also saw enhanced patrols. Again, this was simply to reassure people worried by events in the capital and not in response to any local threat.”
Policing in the West Midlands continued as usual including the safety and security for the ICC Champions Trophy, at Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham and in Coventry for MotoFest.
Anything suspicions should be reported to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or atgov.uk/ACT where online terrorist and extremist material can also be reported.
Following terrorist attacks, West Midlands Police like police forces across the country often see an increase in hates crimes reports.
Tackling this head-on, Chief Constable Thompson said: “Terrorists want to create discord, distrust and fear. We must not let them win.
“Acts of terrorism and hate crimes are committed by a small minority of people and are not representative of wider communities. Following an attack, we all need to work closely together and unite against those who seek, through violence and extremism, to intimidate or cause fear.
“There can never be any excuse for hate crime and I would encourage anyone who is a victim of hate to report it online at: www.report-it.org.uk. Clearly 999 should be used if a crime is in progress or offenders are at the scene.”
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, said: “After the awful terrorist attack in London my thoughts are with the victims and their families.
“As always the emergency services displayed heroism in the face of danger and I pay tribute to them.
“I am in regular contact with the Chief Constable and am working with him to ensure people of the West Midlands continue to be protected.
“I would urge people to be vigilant, but above all else carry on with your daily lives. We should not be and will not be cowed by those who seek to divide us.”
