London terror attack

The First Minister has chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Committee following the terrorist attack in London.

At the meeting, the First Minister was updated on the latest situation:

• There is currently no indication of Scottish victims or intelligence of any specific threat to Scotland;
• Police Scotland will be active at relevant transport hubs and will work in partnership with the British Transport Police to ensure any potential witnesses who may be returning to Scotland are identified;
• Police Scotland is increasing its visibility including increasing the number of Armed Response Vehicles.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“My heartfelt sympathies - and those of everyone in Scotland - are with the families of those who lost their lives during last night’s despicable and cowardly terror attack.

“Our thoughts are also with those who sustained injuries. We wish all of them a full and speedy recovery.

“I also want to thank our emergency services. Last night we saw yet again the bravery, dedication, selflessness and professionalism of the police and of those who work in the NHS and fire service.

“This morning I was briefed by the deputy National Security Adviser and updated both on what is currently known about the attackers and also on the reasons for the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) decision to keep the security threat level, at this stage, at severe.

“I also chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government's Resilience Committee and received a full briefing from Police Scotland.

“At this point in time, we have no information to suggest that any of the victims of this attack are from Scotland - however, it is not yet possible to be definitive about that and we are liaising closely with relevant authorities in London as more information becomes available.

“Our police and health services have also offered any practical assistance to London that may be required.

“As was the case after the Manchester attack, the public can expect to see a more visible police presence, particularly in busy areas – this will include an increase in armed police.

“At what I know is an anxious time, my message to the public is to be vigilant, report anything of suspicion to the police - but otherwise continue to live your lives as normal.

“I have no doubt that - just as we saw after previous attacks, most recently the attack in Westminster - the people of London will pull together, in all of their diversity, and refuse to be cowed by acts of terrorism.”

Background

The First Minister's full speech is available.