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Heightened security at Gillingham fixture after terror attack

Extra police officers have been deployed to Kent football fixtures today, including Gillingham v Charlton, following the London terror attack.

Police have advised fans to be vigilant and allow extra time to get into stadiums, including Priestfield, due to security checks.

The advice follows the decision to increase the national threat level to ‘critical’ in the wake of Friday’s attack on a London Tube train, which left dozens injured.

Police stock image
Police stock image

It also follows the arrest of an 18-year-old man on suspicion of terrorism, in Dover this morning.

Kent Police tweeted: "Extra officers will be deployed to fixtures @TheGillsFC@EUFCofficial@DoverAthletic today. Allow extra time for security checks on entry."

Chief Supt Nicola Faulconbridge said: "There is nothing to suggest there is a specific threat to Kent at this time and our thoughts remain with all those affected by the events in Parsons Green. All calls to Kent Police are assessed, as is usual, based on threat, harm, risk and vulnerability and will continue to be resourced and responded to on this basis."

Kent Police is liaising with the Home Office to regularly assess the national threat levels and what that means for the county.

Chief Supt Faulconbridge added: "There are additional patrols, both armed and unarmed, across Kent which will remain for as long as we believe is necessary. Members of the public are urged to carry on their normal business and routines but we ask them to remain vigilant.

"These events are rare in Kent. Should anyone ever find themselves in an incident like this our advice is to run to a place of safety, hide and then call us on 999 when it is safe to do so."

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