Following yesterday’s (March 22) incident in Westminster, London Assistant Chief Constable Alun Thomas released the following comment on behalf of BTP:
"After the shocking incident in Westminster yesterday, I know our thoughts — like everyone else’s — are with all those affected and with the families of those killed.
“In response to yesterday’s events, we increased our patrols around the country and will continue to have a higher policing presence across the railway network for the next few days. That includes both armed and unarmed officers.
“Our experience of the public response since yesterday’s incident has been overwhelmingly positive — our officers have received messages of support and thanks for the work they do, and members of the public have been rallying together.
“When you see one of our officers out and about, please come and say hello. I know the loss of a fellow police officer is being felt across the country and within every police force.
“There is no place for intolerance and racism in our society and I have every confidence that together, in our communities, we can defeat hate and we can defeat terrorism.
“If you do experience any hate crime, or see it happening, on the railway, I would like to remind everyone that we want to know about it. We will take action against any criminal behaviour which seeks to undermine society, particularly crimes which are motivated by hate.
“This includes any offensive language or any harassment because of who a person is.
“You can report an incident to us discreetly by texting 61016 from a mobile phone, call us on 0800 40 50 40 or, of course, in an emergency you must call 999.
“We will not tolerate behaviour where someone is targeted because they’re different or made to feel uncomfortable on their journey.
“Once again, on behalf of BTP, I would like to offer my condolences to all those affected by yesterday’s incident, and to reiterate the message shared by our leaders across the world. We are not afraid. We stand together.”
