Local Police On Alert Following Woolwich Tragedy

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Hounslow Chief of Police issues statement to reassure public

Hounslow's Chief police officer has said his officers are taking steps to deal with the aftermath of the Woolwich terrorist incident and he has urged the public to remain calm.

The Chief Superintendent Carl Bussey said: "Hounslow Police are engaging with Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow and with the local community and are carrying out reassurance patrols across the borough.

He continued: "There is no change to the terrorist threat level and we urge residents to remain calm. If you are concerned about any activity in your local area please call 999, or 101 (the non-emergency number), or the Anti-Terrorist Hotline anonymously on 0800 789 321."

More than 1200 extra police have been called in following the incident in which a serving soldier was killed by two men.

The Mayor of Hounslow, Cllr Sachin Gupta, said: “We have a close relationship with our armed forces here in Hounslow and their courage is something the whole nation is proud of.

“We send our condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Drummer Lee Rigby, who was based at Hounslow barracks in 2008. Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.

The Leader of Hounslow Council, Cllr Jagdish Sharma, said: “Hounslow is a welcoming and diverse borough and we are proud of our excellent record of community cohesion.

“We are unified in our condemnation of the actions of two individuals which led to the death of a brave serviceman in Woolwich. We will continue to stand against all forms of violent extremism.

Cllr Pritam Grewal, cabinet member for communities, added: “Our police have taken the correct precaution of placing extra officers on patrol. This will offer reassurance to communities who may feel vulnerable in light of the incident. The borough is working with the police to offer reassurance and support, should it be needed.”

 The Mayor Boris Johnston visited the scene near Woolwich Barracks and Prime Minister David Cameron travelled back from a summit in France to chair the COBRA crisis committee following the incident.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, said: “It is hard to comprehend the shocking and horrific scenes we have seen this afternoon on a busy street as Londoners went about their day as normal.

“We have launched a murder investigation, being led by the Counter Terrorism Command. Two men have been arrested in connection with that murder.

“We understand concern about the motivation and we will work tirelessly to uncover why this occurred and who was responsible. I understand people want answers, but I must stress we are in the early stages of investigations. “I would urge everyone to remain calm and have a measured response to today’s tragic events.”

“In Greenwich we have met with community representatives, and extra officers remain on duty there tonight. Across London our officers are in contact with their communities too. The shock that we all feel at what has happened must bind us together.”

Anyone with any information or may have witnessed what took place in Woolwich is asked to contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789 321

The police are appealing for anyone who has still or moving images of the incident at Woolwich to send them to: woolwich@metincident.co.uk - please include your name and contact details, which will be treated in strictest confidence.

May 23, 2013