RESIDENTS and businesses around Poole are advised not to be alarmed as police and emergency services carry out a pre-planned training exercise in the area.

Poole Police confirmed that teams are taking part in the exercise at locations around the port, involving police officers, emergency services and partner agencies.

Members of the public cannot access the exercise locations, and an increased emergency services presence is expected throughout the day.

In a statement, Poole Police said: “Our teams are taking part in a training exercise in locations around Poole Port today. Please don’t be alarmed if you see activity in the area.”

They added that the exercise was not linked to any specific incident or threat, stressing the importance of such training.

“Training exercises are a vital part of the emergency services’ work to protect the public and this exercise is not in response to a specific incident or threat,” the statement said.

Images and footage from the exercise are expected to be shared after it has concluded.

South Western Ambulance Service also reassured the public, confirming it was taking part alongside partner agencies.

The service said residents might notice a “larger than usual emergency services presence” in Poole during the exercise.

Both organisations emphasised that it was “business as usual” for frontline services, with police, fire and ambulance crews continuing to respond to emergencies as normal.

Members of the public were reminded to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

For non-life-threatening medical issues, South Western Ambulance Service encouraged people to use local urgent treatment centres or visit NHS 111 online.