West Midlands Police and British Transport Police have reviewed security plans ahead of the Queen’s visit to Birmingham on Thursday (19 November) in light of the tragic events in Paris.
Additional officers will be carrying out high visibility patrols at Birmingham New Street and the surrounding areas and armed officers will also be out on patrol in the city centre and at the station and shopping centre on the day of the visit.
The Queen will arrive by train into Birmingham New Street to officially open the revamped station before making visits to the new Metro stop in Bull Street and Birmingham Dental Hospital.
ACC Gary Cann, who is leading the police operation for West Midlands Police, said: “We have been working with our partners in the run up to this visit and a substantial security operation is in place.
“In particular we have been working closely alongside British Transport Police and I’m grateful for their expertise in planning this policing operation.
“Following the events in Paris it was absolutely right that we reviewed these plans to ensure our focus is on keeping the public and our visitors safe and secure.
“I want to stress that there has been no specific intelligence received relating to a threat to the event on Thursday and everything we are doing is as a precaution.
“I also want members of the public to remember that they are our eyes and ears on the ground − if you see anything suspicious or that causes concern please tell one of our officers as soon as you can.”
Ch Supt Peter Holden, who is leading on the operation for BTP, said: “Our absolute priority is to ensure the safety of all visitors, the travelling public and rail staff during the official re-opening of New Street station, and we have been working in close partnership with WMP and railway partners in planning for this event.
“As with the football match at Wembley yesterday evening, this is another high profile event where people will see a more visible policing presence from our officers.
“This increased visibility will be our standard response across the rail network for the foreseeable future and does not mean we have received any specific threats, just that we are remaining vigilant and prepared for any eventuality.
“We’d like to remind anyone who will be using New Street tomorrow morning to take responsibility for keeping their belongings with them at all times. At a time when sensitivity is heightened, a misplaced bag or piece of forgotten luggage could present a serious cause for concern; something which is easily avoidable.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, added: “People should be vigilant, but not panic.
“We have specialised teams of firearms officers who patrol our streets 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are constantly on hand in case of any violent incident including the type of attack that we witnessed on Friday evening.
“I am constantly monitoring the situation and take the protection of the public incredibly seriously.”
Anyone with concerns can either speak to an officer on patrol or call 101, in an emergency dial 999.
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