Emergency services have tested how they would respond to a major terrorism incident during a large-scale multi-agency exercise on a cross-channel ferry at the Port of Poole.
The operation, hosted in Dorset, brought together local and national partners to assess how police and other blue light services would manage complex and fast-moving situations on and offshore, with the scenario designed to reflect the challenges of a real-life incident.
Several hundred people took part across the port site, with the exercise coordinated by Counter Terrorism Policing South West alongside Counter Terrorism Policing South East, allowing specialist capabilities and joint working arrangements to be tested in a live maritime environment.
Regional Assistant Chief Constable Andy Hill said exercises like this were crucial for understanding roles, identifying learning and strengthening responses, adding that ongoing review of plans helps ensure services are ready to act effectively if required.
Dorset Police Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne said hosting the exercise was an important part of training, helping ensure an immediate and robust response focused on protecting life, while harbour and ferry operators said the activity supported passenger, staff and port safety.
The exercise formed part of a regular national programme and was not linked to any specific intelligence or threat.
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