Higher Police presence in Jersey following Manchester terror attack

Wednesday 24 May 2017

Police will be increasing their presence around the Island in the coming days following the Manchester terror attack, which saw 22 people – including a child as young as eight – lose their lives.

An ISIS terrorist used an IED device to target an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena shortly after 22:30 on Monday night, causing 22 deaths and over 100 injured.

Prime Minister Theresa May announced last night that she would increase the UK’s terror threat level from “severe” to “critical”, meaning that authorities believe another terror incident to be imminent.

Jersey Police’s Command Team met yesterday morning to discuss the Island’s response to the attack, and said that they will “remain vigilant” under current circumstances and maintain open dialogue with their UK counterparts.

Pictured: Armed Police officers on Manchester streets following the attack. (PA)

They have now confirmed to Express that there will be increased Police presence in key Island locations including in town and at the Ports, but emphasise that this is part of a “standard response” and not due to any specific intelligence.

Ports of Jersey, meanwhile, said that their threat level remains at "substantial" in line with the UK Department for Transport, meaning that an attack is a strong possibility, but not necessarily imminent.

A spokesperson said: "The safety and security of passengers and staff remain our priority and Ports of Jersey would urge its users to remain vigilant at all times and immediately report any suspicious behaviour to a member of staff. For security reasons we would also remind people that vehicles must not be left unattended at any time outside the drop off/waiting zones at our terminals. Any unattended vehicle will be removed."

In a statement, Minister for Home Affairs Kristina Moore told Islanders that the Government is, "...working proactively with UK colleagues to ensure the continued safety of the Island."

"Ministers are being kept informed about the raised terror threat level in the UK through the States of Jersey Police, who continue to take part in daily regional and national briefings. There is no intelligence to suggest a direct threat to Jersey but our authorities remain vigilant. Jersey maintains the same threat level as the UK because we are part of the Common Travel Area. This means we form part of the common security border for the British Isles, and we move in accordance with the rest of Britain. Police officers will maintain higher visibility in town and firearms officers will be more evident at the airport."

Any islanders concerned for the welfare of loved ones based in Manchester can call 0161 856 9400.