Counter terrorism police brief top football officials

The event is one of a number of  ‘invitation only’ half-day seminars organised across the country aimed at senior officials from a variety of different sectors, including sport. 

Known as Project Argus, the briefings help top executives identify measures to prevent, manage and recover from a terrorist incident in crowded places.

Today's conference has not been arranged because of any specific threat to sporting venues but is designed to raise awareness among those that have responsibility for crowd safety.

The scheme was developed by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office and presentations are led by police Counter Terrorism Security Advisers. They also include contributions from other emergency services and partners.

At this morning's briefing, 300 delegates - including some from UEFA and individual UK and European clubs - will get the chance to consider how prepared they are for a terrorist attack through a series of simulated multi-media scenarios. They will be encouraged to learn from each other's experiences and share best practice.

Speaking at this national event, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, who leads the national police response to CT protective security, said: "Good security saves lives and police must work with organisations that operate in crowded places to share information and encourage senior leaders to keep security a top priority for their staff.

"The threat level in the UK is at Severe and we need all communities, including the business sectors, to play their part in keeping us safe.

"We have been running Project Argus and another Counter Terrorism Awareness event called Project Griffin across the country since 2004 and they have been very well received.

"We decided to open this seminar to overseas delegates as I am sure we can learn from each other. 

"It is important we continue to go about our business as normal keeping alert, not alarmed."

Anyone wanting to learn more about Project Argus or Griffin should visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/national-counter-terrorism-security-office