A message from Cheshire Police on 4th July 2007 regarding ...

Terrorism situation

You will be aware that the national counter-terror operation has involved the North West, with the arrest of one man in Liverpool and two suspects on the motorway network in Cheshire. Police want to ensure that local opinion formers are briefed about the current national position and what effects the latest events are having in Cheshire, Halton and Warrington.

There is no intelligence to suggest there is a specific threat to any part of Cheshire, Halton or Warrington. However, we are mounting high visibility patrols across the force area. Officers, including some who are armed, are visiting sites where large numbers of people gather or sites which play an important role in the economic and social life of the community. Work is continuing to reassure local people about the raised security state. The high visibility patrols are designed to allay community fears.

It is important to remind everyone at this time that speculation around arrests, charges and operations relating to terrorism is unhelpful and may prejudice future criminal proceedings. Nationally, there are concerns that inflammatory language in media coverage may result in an increase in hate crimes. We have not identified an increase in Cheshire, Halton and Warrington, but are monitoring the situation very closely and responding promptly to calls for assistance. community tensions.

Like other forces, Cheshire Police will use Section 44 ( of the Terrorism Act 2000) powers where there is a need to do so. Section 44 provides police officers with the power to stop and search vehicles, people in vehicles and pedestrians for articles that could be used for terrorism. These powers will be used on an intelligence led basis and officers' use of the powers will be closely monitored. The powers are one of a range of activities that we believe are necessary to maintain public safety whilst the Security Status remains Critical.

Cheshire Police's primary focus is the security and safety of members of the public and we recognise that some communities in Cheshire Halton and Warrington may be feeling particularly vulnerable at this time. We are committed to working with all community leaders to prevent the victimisation of any individual within that community and this briefing forms part of our work in keeping you informed.

Please be alert in your day to day activities and do not be afraid to call police if you think you might have seen something suspicious! Please see the Security Watch page for information on what to look out for and how to respond.