Wiltshire Police thank public

10 May 2018

Salisbury Journal

LITTLE did our officers know when they attended that first 999 call on Sunday, March 4 that the initial call would escalate into something that has garnered the attention of the public, leaders and media from around the world.

In the time since, Wiltshire Police has worked alongside more than 25 partner agencies in response to this unprecedented major incident.

We’ve also had mutual aid support from more than 40 other police forces from around the country through the National Police Coordination Centre (NPoCC).

Mutual aid is a resource that is utilised when there is an incident that brings additional pressures and need for support. It ensures that we have been able to continue with business as usual in protecting our communities whilst being able to meet the additional commitment of guarding cordons.

This incident has had a devastating impact on those immediately affected, including one of our own officers and our thoughts continue to be with them, their families and friends. But what has been so heartening to hear time and time again from those on cordons is the huge support from local residents and businesses.

We have heard so many stories from officers and staff on the cordons, from the Cake Forge who made Wiltshire Police cupcakes; the hundreds of cups of coffee made by local residents and businesses and the pop-up kitchen kindly set up in an empty shop by Café on the Park.

We must also say a special thank you to the residents in Christie Miller Road. They continue to be so patient, understanding and thoughtful whilst the investigation continues to be led by Counter Terrorism Police. Officers talk of extra blankets, hot water bottles, roast dinners and even haircuts!

This is just a small example of the support and hospitality we have received. Without doubt, Salisbury has proven itself to be stoic and resilient, and it is important that our city is provided with the support necessary to move on from this incident.

As Wiltshire Council and Defra lead the recovery you will continue to see a military presence as they work to clean up the city and address the nine sites identified.

One of these is Bourne Hill so our officers, staff and volunteers have been relocated to Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre and nearby police stations for the duration of the decontamination work. Our front desk has also temporarily been moved to the library.

Our dedicated community policing team continues to be accessible to the public and can be contacted via 101 and social media.

If you would like to speak to us directly about any local policing concerns you have then we will be in the library near the front entrance on Friday, May 18 from 9am – 10am and we would welcome your feedback.

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard and Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson