Emergency grab bags for use after a terrorist attack have been installed in five York venues.
The bags have been designed to assist in the immediate aftermath of a terrorist attack or major incident. Four are now located in the city centre.
Each one contains information and equipment that will aid the early response to an incident, prior to the arrival of the emergency services.
Funded by Safer York Partnership, the emergency bags can be accessed by designated staff at the following locations:
- McDonald’s, Blake Street
- Marks & Spencer, Pavement
- Yates pub, Church Lane
- Popworld night club, Hudson Street.
A further grab bag will be held at the York Stadium Leisure Complex at Monks Cross.
This initiative follows the bollards being installed which are designed to hinder hostile vehicle attacks in York city centre.
The bags were delivered to the identified locations by Counter Terrorism Policing North East, alongside North Yorkshire Police.
Guidance has been given to management and staff explaining how to store the bags securely and use their contents.
Senior Commander for York, Superintendent Fran Naughton from North Yorkshire Police said: “The public should be reassured and not alarmed by this initiative; it is a precautionary measure to ensure that York is prepared for a major incident.
“Although there is no specific threat to York and North Yorkshire, the current UK threat level remains at substantial meaning an attack is likely.
“I thank members of the public for their continued support, and I would urge them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.”
Detective Superintendent Dan Patrick at Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: “We are committed to working with our partners in York to make our public spaces safer and more secure.
“The grab bags are the latest addition to a package of security measures designed to protect and assist the public.
“Together, the measures help to make the city more resilient in the event of a spontaneous attack, and in doing so, a less attractive target for terrorists.”
Cllr Michael Pavlovic, executive member for safer communities and community cohesion at City of York Council, said: “Nobody wants an incident to happen on our streets or anywhere else. It is essential though, that we are all as prepared as we can be with a raft of measures to support those affected.
“We hope these grab bags will never be needed but, if they are, we’re ready to make an immediate response and I’m proud that the council is supporting this.”
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