Specialist firearms officers to patrol UK train services

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Credit: BTP.
Credit: BTP.
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The British Transport Police has announced that trained firearm officers are to start patrolling onboard trains following the UK’s increased terror threat level to critical.

Armed officers have been patrolling the London Underground since December but this will mark the first time they have patrolled services elsewhere in the country.

The mobilisation of armed officers is to ensure that passengers are comforted and kept safe on the rail network, according to BTP.

It said that firearms officers receive bespoke and specialist training in order to safely patrol in this environment.

BTP chief constable Paul Crowther said: “Since the devastating events in Manchester on Monday evening, our force has radically increased the presence of our officers nationwide.

“This is part of our national mobilisation plan to deal with the current and ongoing threat.

“It is important to note that we do not have any specific intelligence in relation to train services but are taking this action to ensure we can protect and reassure the public.

“I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone to stay calm, be vigilant, and if you spot anything at all which gives you cause for concern, let us know.

“In light of the dreadful events over these last few days, and the increase to the national threat level, nothing should be considered too trivial to report and any information – regardless of whether you feel it is significant or not – may be important to all of us.

“The cowardly acts of terrorists will never weaken our resolve. We will continue to work with police forces nationally to ensure that the travelling public remain safe and reassured.”