Port patrols stepped up after Paris massacre

Monday 16 November 2015

Police are patrolling Jersey’s harbour and Airport in the wake of Friday night’s terrorist attacks in Paris that killed 132 people and left 350 wounded.

Terrorists – believed to be linked to ISIS – gunned down concert-goers, and shot people in restaurants and bars in three teams of co-ordinated attackers around the French capital.

Most of the casualties were at a rock concert at the Bataclan venue – there more than 80 people were gunned down by terrorists wielding AK-47 rifles and wearing suicide vests.

This morning, Belgian-born Abdelhamid Abaaoud - thought to be in Syria - was identified as the mastermind behind the attacks. It has also been revealed that one of the suicide bombers was Ahmad Al Mohammed, who passed from Syria to France via Greece in October, and that another was French-born Samy Amimour.

And there are conflicting reports this morning about whether a man linked to the terrorists - 26-year-old Salah Abdeslam - has been captured alive by police. He crossed the border from France to Belgium just hours after the attacks, but was not stopped by police. When he was identified by the police he became the most wanted man in Europe and his description and photograph is being featured across the international media.

Reports say that he was caught in Belgium this morning, but those reports are unconfirmed.

The murders have brought international condemnation and statements of solidarity with Paris from world leaders.

Chief Minister Ian Gorst has written to the French President, Francois Hollande, expressing the Island’s sympathy for the dead and their families and friends.

Police say that although there is no specific threat to Jersey, and although no specific intelligence has been received, they have decided to step up security at the ports of entry to the Island.

In a statement on Saturday morning, they said: “In light of recent events in Paris, and whilst no intelligence has been received concerning Jersey and there has been no change in the UK threat level, the States of Jersey Police has determined that as a precautionary measure it will conduct routine patrols of the harbour and Airport until further notice, and will ensure that all associated sailings and flights from the continent are appropriately covered by Special Branch and Jersey Customs and Immigration Service staff.

“The States of Jersey Police have direct contact with UK police and security services staff and will await further updates.”

In a statement, Chief Minister Ian Gorst wrote that the attacks on our neighbours had been shocking and appalling.

He said: “Friday’s nights events in Paris are profoundly shocking. Jersey has strong historical and cultural ties with France and it is terrible to see our near neighbours suffering so deeply.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of the victims of this appalling attack and with the people of France.

“I am contacting Mr David Myatt, Honorary Consul of France, to send our deepest condolences and to express solidarity with our local French community.”