Hospitals told to bolster security as they are ‘soft targets’ for terror

HOSPITALS must improve security following the Liverpool attack because terrorists see them as “soft targets” where killing vulnerable patients maximises “outrage”, a report has warned.

Insurance analysts assessing terror threat have concluded Emad Al Swealmeen was intending to detonate his device in the Women’s Hospital.

The failed asylum seeker was killed when his homemade explosive blew up in the taxi as it pulled up outside the mother and baby ward on Nov 15.

A post-incident report by Pool Re, set up by the Government with the insurance industry to underwrite policies against the “unthinkable”, has urged bosses at hospitals and public venues to train staff to spot “suspicious activity”.

It says: “Owners, operators and managers of public-accessible locations should review security and operational resilience to ensure they are prepared.”

It was believed Al Swealmeen, 32, booked the cab to the hospital but planned to make the 15-minute walk on foot to Liverpool Cathedral to attack the Remembrance Sunday service and procession. But last night, Counter Terrorism Police North West (CTPNW) confirmed the hospital as the target.

“We know he asked the taxi driver to be taken to the Women’s Hospital and again have no other information to indicate he intended to go anywhere else.”

The Pool Re report, sent to the Home Office and terrorism police, adds how “police have indicated that it is possible Al Swealmeen carried out reconnaissance” after hospital staff “raised concerns” having seen a vehicle parked with no one leaving it the day before.

“CCTV indicates the car pulled up outside and stayed for approximately five minutes. No one is reported to have got out of the vehicle,” it says.

It explains how attacks on hospitals in the Middle East by Islamic extremists are “intended to cause widespread outrage by targeting the highly vulnerable ... and increase social tensions”.

It continues: “The intent to target a hospital will also have reinforced longstanding concerns about the vulnerability of healthcare infrastructure, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. Hospitals are considered critical national infrastructure, but are often seen as ‘soft targets’ for terrorist attacks.

“Hospitals usually have limited security, and being publicly accessible are likely to be vulnerable.”

The authors urges the Home Office and security services to train retailers to identify those regularly buying small quantities of materials used to make bombs, as well as improve counter terror “procedures, plans and protocols” by staff working at public locations.

The Home Office said: “The safety and security of the UK is the Government’s priority and we are committed to improving protective security. The Government provides those responsible for public places with robust advice and guidance so that they are aware of the current threats; know what steps to take to reduce their vulnerability to and prepare for terrorist attacks; and can develop plans to mitigate their impact.”

The CTPNW added: “There is currently no information to indicate any hostile reconnaissance was carried out either the day before or otherwise. The investigation continues.”