Public advised to be alert after threat level raised

After Monday’s tragedy in Manchester, Orkney’s Local Emergency Co-ordinating Group (OLECG) is advising the public in Orkney to be alert and to report anything unusual or suspicious to the police.

Following the attack the terrorism threat level in the UK was raised to critical and security measures have been in place at public buildings across the UK, such as at police stations and council offices, which will be reviewed as required.

The UK Government’s decision to upgrade the threat level means that a further attack could happen imminently, however Chief Inspector Gordon Deans, Police Scotland’s area commander for Orkney, said there is no intelligence to suggest there is a specific threat to Scotland.

OLECG brings together the emergency services, public sector agencies including Orkney Islands Council and NHS Orkney, transport providers and utility companies.

After chairing OLECG’s meeting, Ch Insp Deans said services will continue to be delivered as normal to communities across Orkney.

He added: “Our advice to people in our local community is to be alert rather than alarmed, to go about your daily life as usual, but to remain vigilant and report anything unusual or suspicious that concerns you to police on 101 or, in an emergency, 999.”

Alternatively you can confidentially call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or the Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789321.

Chief Inspector Deans advised that those travelling south, will also notice the presence of armed officers at key sites in the main cities and towns in Scotland, including transport hubs such as airports and railway stations. He said this is to protect and provide reassurance for the public.