A MAJOR counter terrorism drill aboard a cross-channel ferry brought together multiple agencies at Poole Port yesterday.

Several hundred people including counter terrorism policing, the fire and rescue and service and paramedics tested their response to a major terrorism incident on a Brittany Ferries vessel.

Coordinated by Counter Terrorism Policing South West (CTPSW) working alongside Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE), the scenario tested the way police and partners reacted to challenging, dynamic incidents both on and offshore.

The exercise was not in response to any specific threat or intelligence but part of a regular national testing and exercising programme.

Regional assistant Chief Constable Andy Hill, speaking on behalf of Counter Terrorism Policing South West, said: “Exercises like this take place regularly across all emergency services and are a crucial way of testing the response that would be required in the event of a major incident such as a terrorist attack.

“Not only do exercises help us all understand each other’s roles, they also provide an opportunity to identify learning, which can then be adopted to strengthen our response and ensure we provide the best possible protection to our communities.”

Dorset Police’s assistant chief constable Steve Lyne said: “We were delighted to host the exercise here in Dorset and work with our partners across the region and beyond.

“This type of training is an integral part of policing and ensures we deliver an immediate and robust response to a major incident with our partners.

“Simply put, this is about protecting the public with a strong and dynamic response that helps us to protect life.

“I would like to personally thank everyone who was involved to make this exercise possible.”

Chief executive officer of Poole Harbour Commissioners Captain Brian Murphy said: “Hosting an exercise of this scale enabled partners to test coordination, communication, preparedness and response arrangements in a live port environment, while ensuring the continued safety of passengers, staff and harbour users.”

Brittany Ferries’ director UK ports Jo Bussell said: “Taking part in training exercises supports our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our passengers and crew members.”

The threat to the UK from terrorism remains at substantial.