Police patrols stepped up after taxi-bomb horror
POLICE patrols are being increased in Greater Manchester after a bomber apparently blew himself up in a taxi outside a Liverpool hospital.
The passenger of the vehicle died and police believe he made the ‘improvised device’ involved which went off at 10.59am on Remembrance Sunday near to Liverpool Women’s Hospital.
David Perry, the taxi driver, was able to escape and has now been released from hospital.
Counter Terrorism Policing North West, which is based in Greater Manchester, is leading the investigation.
GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable Mabs Hussain issued a statement in the wake of the attack being declared a terrorist incident.
He said: “Firstly I want to offer my thoughts to all those affected by the shocking events at the Liverpool Women’s Hospital yesterday and to the emergency service workers who responded to the initial incident, and continue to do so today.
“I know the people of Greater Manchester will have looked on in horror as the events unfolded in one of our neighbouring cities, and many will now understandably be feeling concerned.
“I would like to take this opportunity to offer some reassurance around the precautionary measures that we are taking in response.
“Firstly, I think it is important to stress that there is no intelligence to suggest that there is any direct threat to Greater Manchester following yesterday’s incident.
“We continue to liaise with our colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing North West, who are leading the investigation, so we are kept fully up to date with the very latest information that is relevant to our region.
“As a reassurance measure, we have increased patrols so communities will notice an increase in police visibility, and I would encourage anyone with concerns to approach one of our officers and speak to them.
“We are also in contact with our local partners in each district so that we can address any issues or concerns that may arise in your local area.
“I would also like to urge the people of Greater Manchester to remain vigilant, and if you do see anything suspicious then please report it, in confidence, to police via the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321 or by visiting gov.uk/ACT. You can also make anonymous crime reports by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“All reports made using these platforms are treated in the strictest confidence.”