Barracks security tightened after shock execution
SECURITY was visibly increased at the town’s barracks after a soldier was publicly executed outside a London army base.
Officers in three police cars were stationed outside the Invicta Park Barracks, off Royal Engineer’s Road, from about 6pm on Wednesday, while their colleagues in the city dealt with bloodshed.
Kent Police was placed on high alert after a serviceman wearing a Help for Heroes T-shirt was killed in a suspected terrorist attack in Woolwich, south-east London, at about 2.20pm the same day.
Two people have been arrested in connection with the horrific killing carried out with meat cleavers and knives, believed to have been committed by Islamic fanatics.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge, said: “We are working with local communities and partners while the Metropolitan Police investigate the full circumstances around this incident.
“We are providing high visibility policing in areas across Kent and would appeal for people to stay calm and work with us to ensure the safety of everyone in our county.”
Patrols positioned outside the town’s base, which is home to the 36 Engineer Regiment, were reduced to one vehicle just before 10pm and removed entirely by the time of the early commute.
Earlier that evening, Home Secretary Theresa May confirmed security was stepped up at military sites across the country.
In a statement, she said: “The police and Security Service are establishing the full facts of this barbaric case but there is a strong indication that it was an act of terrorism. In the meantime, security has been increased at army barracks.
“This attack was an attack on everyone in the United Kingdom, and it will be condemned by people from every community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family.
“We have seen terrorism on the streets of Britain before and have always stood firm against it. Despicable acts like these will not go unpunished.”
In Gillingham, at about 8.40pm Wednesday, a man was arrested on suspicion of racially aggra- vated criminal damage following a suspected reprisal attack on a mosque.
A window and bookcases containing the Koran at the Canterbury Street site were smashed just hours after the murder. Dr Muhammad Usmani, Imam at Maidstone Mosque, said he was at Maidstone’s Mote Road site of worship until about 1am on Thursday and no disturbances were reported. Mohammed Akram, president of the Maidstone Community and Islamic Centre, said: “I would like to condemn the actions of those responsible for the barbaric act on that young man. The people who teach these young people such barbaric things should be identified and held accountable.”