A message from Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations Laurence Taylor
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations Laurence Taylor
We often ask the public to help us in tackling terrorism.
Mostly, that means reporting concerns about things they’ve seen or heard.
Information that we can turn into intelligence, that helps unlock investigations.
But sometimes, it both awfully and incredibly means playing a more physical role.
Recently a Yorkshireman called Nathan Newby was awarded The George Medal for bravery.
In 2023, Mr Newby stopped a man he didn’t know, outside St James’ Hospital in Leeds.
That man was Mohammed Farooq, who had a pressure cooker filled with explosives.
Mr Newby talked him down and called police, and Farooq was arrested having abandoned his plans.
That day, Mr Newby trusted his instincts and when coming nose to nose with a terrorist, he took actions that bravely prevented a deadly attack.
Devastatingly for all of us, earlier this month another community stared terror in the face.
Going into too much detail is difficult as we continue to investigate, but from what we know so far, worshippers in Crumpsall fiercely sought to protect one another that morning.
For two men, Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, that meant they paid the ultimate price.
It is never policing’s expectation that the public should be prepared to play this role but when they do, it is vital that we recognise their courage.
To all those who step, or run, forward, with or without a uniform, thank you.