Police apologise following counter-terrorism exercise at the Trafford Centre

Counter-terrorism exercise at the Trafford Centre

Police have apologised after a man playing the part of a terrorist repeatedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” (“God is great”) during a counter-terror exercise at the Trafford Centre in Manchester.

The simulated attack started on Monday night, when a man dressed in black walked into the Trafford Centre and shouted at the crowd.

Moments later an explosion rocked the food hall and hundreds of volunteers, wearing ear defenders and safety glasses, dropped to the floor and ran into shops and cafes screaming.

Greater Manchester Police’s Assistant Chief Constable, Gary Shewan, said the decision was “unacceptable” and apologised for any offence caused.

He said: “The scenario for this exercise is based on a suicide attack by an extremist Daesh (Isis) style organisation and the scenario writers have centred the circumstances around previous similar attacks of this nature, mirroring details of past events to make the situation as real life as possible for all those involved.

“However, on reflection we acknowledge that it was unacceptable to use this religious phrase immediately before the mock suicide bombing, which so vocally linked this exercise with Islam.

“We recognise and apologise for the offence that this has caused.”

Greater Manchester's Mayor and Police & Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: "This was a very good exercise in preparing for a situation we never want to see, but must be ready for.

"The public expects the highest standard of training where all of our emergency services locally work together effectively with those who with national responsibility to keep the UK safe. This planning event has helped ensure that should the unthinkable ever happen, Greater Manchester will be ready.

"However, it is frustrating the operation has been marred by the ill-judged, unnecessary and unacceptable decision by organisers to have those playing the parts of terrorists to shout ‘Allah Akbar’ before setting off their fake bombs. It didn’t add anything to the event, but has the potential to undermine the great community relations we have in Greater Manchester."