The Metropolitan Police, along with emergency service partners and staff from three iconic London venues, have worked together to carry out a one day exercise that included the live play of three simultaneous Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear [CBRN] attacks at London locations with very high public attendances.
The scenario provided valuable learning both in terms of the nature of the incident and the challenges brought about by a multiple location attack.
Although the UK’s threat level remains at severe, the exercise was not carried out in response to any specific intelligence or threat.
Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Dawn Morris said: “This is the first time we have carried out a multi-venue CBRN exercise covering simultaneous attacks and the experience and learning gained from this is invaluable.
“The exercise tested our joint response, investigation and recovery to dealing with a CBRN exposure in fast moving, heavy footfall venues in different parts of the capital and gave everyone taking part an understanding what would be required should we ever face this type of challenge for real.
“It also gave us the opportunity to highlight the advice to ‘Remove, remove, remove’ in the event of exposure to a hazardous substance.
“This exercise was not planned in response to a specific threat in terms of locations or hazardous materials – it was purely to test the reactions of those who would need to deliver in the event that London was under attack.
“I am very grateful to the management of Twickenham, Westfield & Kings Cross Estate for their contribution not only to the event itself, but also the organisation and planning for the testing which was extensive.
“The exercise plan aimed to keep disruption to the public to a minimum, however, I would like to thank anyone affected for their patience and co-operation while we continue to ensure that we are as prepared as we can be to protect Londoners no matter what.”
The scenario involved police, fire and ambulance staff responding together when a chemical substance was used at Twickenham, Westfield and Kings Cross Station. This provided the opportunity for testing of hazardous material equipment and the deployment of decontamination procedures.
Staff from British Transport Police, London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade also took part in the exercise.
The scenario and exercise was developed by the Met’s Protective Security Operations Command, under the leadership of the unit Commander, Chief Superintendent Dawn Morris. This exercise had approximately 900 people taking part across the live exercise play areas and the MPS Specialist Operations Room.
