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Armed Forces Day to be held amid heightened terror threat level

A senior figure at Kent Police has asked the public to remain vigilant at big events taking place around the county this summer.

It comes as thousands marked Armed Forces Day at Great Lines Heritage Park, Gillingham, to pay tribute to the work of servicemen and women.

While the force's chief superintendent Alison Roden wants people to be alert she says there is no reason for them to be alarmed as there's no specific threat.

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Last year's Armed Forces Day parade
Last year's Armed Forces Day parade

She said: "Security and policing for all major events that have been notified to us, and crowded places in Kent, have been reviewed following fresh national guidance in light of recent incidents elsewhere in the UK.

"While event organisers are responsible for security and safety at their events, Kent Police has been liaising with them and Safety Advisory Groups to ensure they have the best possible advice on how to keep the public safe.

"In addition, events like the Armed Forces Day, where the military are involved, are assessed through a specific notification and assessment process.


Armed Forces Day events in Kent


"Work to keep our communities safe with highly visible firearms officers patrolling key locations will continue, in addition to the usual local policing patrols across the county.

"Where proportionate, this may include additional officers on patrol at events and other crowded places."

Military vehicles, bridge building, an assault course, a giant fun fair, veterans parade and a Beating Retreat finale celebrated our armed forces.

It was run by Medway Council and the Royal School of Military Engineering.

There was a Camp Bastion Afghanistan display, Naval forces display area and a Royal Engineers trade village.

Visitors were also able to look at historic military vehicles and watch helicopters fly in.

Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s head of community services, said: "Armed Forces Day is an enjoyable event for everyone, whether or not you have links to the military.

"There will be dozens of exciting displays by serving men and women, cadets and veterans, as well as activities for children to try.

"There is a strong armed forces community in Medway and we will continue to raise awareness of and support their work."

BAE Systems sponsored the day and Sallyann Mclean, site executive at their offices in Marconi Way, Rochester, said the company was proud to back it.

She said: "As an organisation with a defence heritage, we’re incredibly proud to support and celebrate the men and women who make up our armed forces community.

"It’s an honour to be involved in the Medway Armed Forces Day event again this year.

"At BAE Systems we’re committed to working together with local communities to support service members, past and present, as well as their families."

For more information on how to stay safe visit www.kent.police.uk/advice/terrorism/ and to report a suspicious incident contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 798 321.

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