Mock Terror Attack Staged to Test Response at Gtech Stadium
Scenario envisaged panicked crowds fleeing across rail track
The team was not briefed on the kind of incidents they would be faced with
November 29, 2024
An exercise was held this week at Brentford FC’s ground to test responses in the event of a major incident such as a terrorist attack.
Met Police officers were joined by the security team at the Gtech Community Stadium and presented with a series of scenarios including an explosive device being found and a man seen with a knife.
The group received radio updates about developing crises with no foreknowledge of what kind of situation they would have to deal with. One scenario included panicked crowds looking to flee the area across the tracks near Kew Bridge Station.
The exercise was led by Superintendent Kris Wright, who said the public should not be overly concerned but that "we need to exercise and test ourselves".
He told BBC London, "I need everyone to be vigilant and report anything out of place but they should be reassured that when we have to do this for real, it's not the first time we’ve done it".
Dave Gregg, Head of Operations at Brentford FC, told the BBC, “I’ve got an experienced team here but the scenarios that we have picked for today will test them beyond a normal table top scenario. So, I’m confident that they will deal with each of the incidents and I’m confident that they will deal with them efficiently and effectively.”
There was a threat made against football grounds hosting Champions League games this April made via a media organisation supportive of Islamic State. This resulted in heightened security including at Arsenal’s Emirates stadium.
A similar exercise was hosted at Millwall FC last month and the police say they are continuing to gain good information about how to respond. Further simulation exercises are taking place at other London grounds and a large music venue.
It is being stressed that this initiative is not a response to any specific threat to London. A 2022 review by Lord Harris of London's preparedness for a terrorist attack recommended that such exercises should be conducted regularly.
Written with material supplied by the Local Democracy Reporting Service
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