Media coverage is part of the problem

Sir, – This week in London there was another terror attack using a vehicle.

The news coverage of this incident was extensive – but also counter-productive.

There were television cameras everywhere.

There was rolling coverage including interviews with the powers that be, dramatic references to previous attacks and a retired policemen saying we need more resources.

Meanwhile, a government minister said it is difficult to bring weapons into this country.

It was stated that this (ie a vehicle being driven at people) is the “weapon” would-be terrorists seem to be using now.

They insisted, nevertheless, that lessons would be learned from this.

The following day the national newspapers came out and the front pages were covered in pictures of the aftermath of the incident. What are we thinking? We make anti-heroes out of murderers by giving them names like Jihadi John and even The Beatles.

Meanwhile, our cowardly hidden enemy watches and reads and smiles and plans, because the way we are reporting is effectively saying “here we are, come and get us, and when we arrest you, if you are still alive, we will give you special recognition by given you a nickname”.

Some newspapers are calling it a “copy cat attack”.

Well it is surely the fault of the irresponsible coverage that brings that about.

Barbara Sturrock. 12 Invergowrie Drive, Dundee.

Picture: PA. A correspondent says news coverage of terror attacks is counterproductive.