Terror attack training for all teachers amid fears that schools and colleges could be targeted by fanatics
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Teachers are being briefed about what to do if terrorists attack.
The nationwide initiative, comes amid fears schools , colleges and universities could be targeted by fanatics.
It was previously only given to businesses thought to be vulnerable to attack, including football clubs and shopping centres, but has now been widened to include schools, colleges and universities.
Thousands of secondary schools and all 154 higher learning institutions are being offered places on the course by the 45 UK police forces.
The training comes after Islamic State urged Muslim parents in France to remove their children from schools and to kill teachers in December 2015.
In March 2012, Mohamed Merah, a jihadist with links to al-Qaeda , killed three children and a teacher outside a Jewish school in south-western France.
(Photo: MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS)
Scotland Yard confirmed that Project Argus is a National Counter Terrorism Security Office led initiative, which supports “strategic leaders in businesses and other organisations to consider the preparedness of their organisations for a terrorist attack”.
It said in a statement: “As part of our ongoing response to the threat from violent extremism we have worked with senior representatives from businesses, sports and social venues, as well as other agencies, running table top exercise’s to help them evaluate, review and ultimately enhance their security plans. This has recently included educational establishments - particularly targeting higher education.”
The briefings are primarily being given to teachers in managerial positions responsible for security but are open to all. Forces are offering it to schools on an optional basis.
The Met said the briefings are not a response to any specific threat.
(Photo: Getty)
It said previous attacks show that terrorists target busy, well-populated places to ensure that attacks have a maximum impact.
The force added: “The business, and wider community have an invaluable role to play in our fight against terrorists, violent extremists and other criminals. Their staff are often the first people to spot signs that something is wrong and these table top exercises help organisations to formulate and refine their security and preparedness plans.”
Scotland Yard has been reviewing security after twelve people were killed and 49 injured when a lorry ploughed through a Berlin Christmas Market last month.
The UK’s security level currently stands at “severe”, meaning a terror attack is highly likely.
Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and report to police any concerns.