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Security and safety measures in response to bombing

The security forces are reviewing public safety and issuing advice to the public in the South after the bombing at Manchester Arena last night.

People are being advised to go about their ordinary lives, but at the same time to be on alert and to report any suspicious incidents.

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Condolences shared after pop concert bombing - Security reviews underway at South's venues

The emergency services have been at the Manchester venue since the bombing

Candles have been lit and prayers have been said as the South came together today to show its support for those killed and injured in the Manchester Arena terror attack.

Twenty-two people including children are now known to have lost their lives, dozens more were injured when the bomb blast ripped through the foyer of the building - after an Ariana Grande concert.

Greater security measures are being put in place right across the country, with extra police now being deployed in many of our town and cities. There are also some real security implications for shopping centres, sports stadiums, tourist attractions and music venues. Richard Jones has our report.

Thames Valley urged to stay vigilant after Manchester bombing

  • Watch Sam Holder report from Reading

Video may contain distressing scenes

People in the Thames Valley are being urged to stay vigilant this summer after the terrorist attack in Manchester.

There have been no specific threats, but the region is hosting a wide number of major events over the next few months, including the Reading Festival and Common People in Oxford, which is being held this weekend.

Security is already tight at these events and officials are telling those attending to stay aware but not to panic.

Organisers for Common People say that they are liaising with police ahead of the festival.

The safety of our audience is of utmost importance to us. The team at Common People are currently in discussions with the Police in both Southampton and Oxford and are consulting with our security company to align our strategy for this weekend’s festival. Our thoughts are with the families in Manchester affected by this tragedy

– Common People

Reading FC are playing in the Championship play-off final this Monday at Wembley Stadium, with thousands expected to attend.

The English Football League (EFL) and Football Association (F.A.) say that there will be an "enhanced" security operation at the match but that there have been no specific threats.

Fan safety is of paramount importance and we have robust security measures in place at Wembley Stadium.

In collaboration with the Metropolitan Police and the local authorities there will be an enhanced security operation for all upcoming events.

All supporters are encouraged to arrive for events at Wembley Stadium as early as possible for security checks and to avoid any delays in entering the stadium.

– The F.A.

The thoughts and prayers of everyone associated with the EFL and its 72 Clubs are with all those affected by last night’s terrible events in Manchester.

The EFL is fully aware of the security issues that football and other sporting events currently face and whilst there have been no specific threats in this country, our Security Advisor will be liaising with Wembley Stadium, the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and the Metropolitan Police to ensure the arrangements in place provide a safe and secure environment for all supporters attending this weekend’s Play-Off matches.

The safety of fans remains our highest priority. The EFL takes security issues extremely seriously and we would urge all supporters planning to be at Wembley Stadium to be vigilant of their surroundings at all times, stay alert and not be alarmed.

– The EFL

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EFL to liaise with Wembley ahead of Royals play-off on Monday - '...safety of fans remains our highest priority'

The English Football League is urging all football supporters planning to go to the play-offs at Wembley next week to be '...vigilant, stay alert and not be alarmed.'

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone associated with the EFL and its 72 Clubs are with all those affected by last night’s terrible events in Manchester.

“The EFL is fully aware of the security issues that football and other sporting events currently face and whilst there have been no specific threats in this country, our Security Advisor will be liaising with Wembley Stadium, the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and the Metropolitan Police to ensure the arrangements in place provide a safe and secure environment for all supporters attending this weekend’s Play-Off matches.

“The safety of fans remains our highest priority. The EFL takes security issues extremely seriously and we would urge all supporters planning to be at Wembley Stadium to be vigilant of their surroundings at all times, stay alert and not be alarmed.”

– English Football League spokesperson

Dorset Police: 'The public should be alert but not alarmed.'

Dorset Police have issued their reaction to the bombing in Manchester last night, offering their condolences to all affected.

The Dorset force has given reassurances to local residents that public safety is a priority. Its officers are in touch with national anti-terrorism co-ordinators and the UK's national security threat level remains the same. The public are being advised to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the events in Manchester and our deepest condolences are with the families and friends of those who tragically lost their lives.

“Dorset Police stand with Greater Manchester Police and other forces across the country. Public safety is our priority and we have a variety of established operational tactics that are regularly used to ensure that our local communities and businesses are both well prepared and protected.

“Our aim is to reduce the risk to the public and maximise public awareness. As is normal practice, we are in touch with national anti-terrorism coordinators.

“At. this time there has been no change to the threat level in the UK but this is reviewed on a national basis and Dorset Police will, if necessary, respond accordingly. We regularly review intelligence and information and would like to reassure the public that at this time there is no specific threat to Dorset. The public should be alert but not alarmed.

“The advice remains the same – members of the public should always remain alert to the danger of terrorism and report any suspicious activity to police on 999 or the anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321.”

– Superintendent Mike Rogers, Dorset Police

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South's venues review safety measures as a precaution

In the wake of the bombing at the Manchester Arena, other venues around the country are reviewing their safety measures as a precaution. Here in the South, the Ageas Bowl in Hampshire has said that it always works closely with the police and will perform a review and make changes if necessary.

The organisers of the Common People music events in Southampton and Oxford over the coming bank holiday weekend are also reviewing security measures.

“The safety of our audience is of utmost importance to us. The team at Common People are currently in discussions with the Police in both Southampton and Oxford and are consulting with our security company to align our strategy for this weekend’s festival. Our thoughts are with the families in Manchester affected by this tragedy”.

– Common People spokesperson

Meanwhile, the Brighton Dome which produces the Brighton Festival has also issued its sympathies with the people affected.

Police forces are advising members of the public to continue with their daily lives, but to more vigilant - and to report anything suspicious to the authorities. Dorset Police said that public safety was of the utmost importance.

“Our aim is to reduce the risk to the public and maximise public awareness. As is normal practice, we are in touch with national anti-terrorism coordinators.

“A this time there has been no change to the threat level in the UK but this is reviewed on a national basis and Dorset Police will, if necessary, respond accordingly. We regularly review intelligence and information and would like to reassure the public that at this time there is no specific threat to Dorset. The public should be alert but not alarmed.

“The advice remains the same – members of the public should always remain alert to the danger of terrorism and report any suspicious activity to police on 999 or the anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321.”

– Superintendent Mike Rogers, Dorset Police

Aegeas Bowl venue to review security after bombing

The Aegeas Bowl venue in Hampshire has issued a statement in the wake of the bombing at the Manchester Arena last night. It will review safety as a precaution and make changes if advised to do so.

"We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to all those affected by last night’s atrocity at the Manchester Arena.

"The Ageas Bowl management work very closely with the police and other relevant authorities when planning all major events at the venue, and in the light of the events in Manchester we will take appropriate advice and review and update our safety and security procedures accordingly."

– Aegeas Bowl
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