Armed police deployed for patrols in Hampshire as National Threat Level raised to “severe”
People can expect to see more armed officers as the National Threat Level has been raised
Armed police are being deployed as patrols are stepped up across crowded areas in Hampshire after the National Threat Level was raised to “severe” following an alleged terrorist attack in London.
Two Jewish men were knifed in Golders Green, north London, on Wednesday around 11.30am - which has now resulted in the threat level being increased. The men were taken to hospital and remain in a stable condition.
Essa Suleiman, 45, has been remanded in custody after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with attempted murder over the stabbings.
The suspect was tasered and repeatedly kicked in the head while being detained by two officers. Footage from the scene shows him holding onto a knife despite repeated calls to drop it.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the officers feared the man had been carrying an explosive device and continued to try and attack them as he was being detained.
The impact of the attack has now led to the National Threat Level being increased from “substantial” to “severe” - just below the “critical” level.
It means police, including armed officers, will be seen out more in “key locations” including places of worship, shopping centres and other crowded places.
Chief Superintendent Simon Dodds said: "I know that any raise to the threat level is unsettling, but I want to reassure you that this step allows us to reinforce our ongoing work to support our Jewish communities and the wider public.
"What this means for all our communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is that you will see extra police patrols around key locations, including places of worship, shopping centres and other crowded places.
"These patrols will include our armed officers, which is routine in these circumstances and all part of our planned approach to helping you feel safer.
"We know that this news will affect people in different ways and we’re here to support everyone who is feeling its impact.
"Our officers are out on duty, ready to listen and help with any concerns you have, so please speak to them.
"You can help our work by remaining vigilant and reporting anything that doesn’t feel right to police via the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 123 or report online via gov.uk/ACT, information that you share can make a difference. Always call 999 in an emergency."