Community Reassurance Update in light of recent events

Dear Hampstead Town residents,

You may be aware of the recent incident in North-West London, and I appreciate that this may cause concern within our communities. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected. 

Please be reassured that Counter Terrorism Policing continues to lead the investigation and that police are working closely with partners, local communities and faith groups to help keep people safe. The UK national terrorism threat level has been raised from SUBSTANTIAL to SEVERE following a national assessment by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre. 

Across Camden, policing activity has been stepped up, including an increased focus on hate crime patrols and a strengthened proactive and protective approach. There will be increased police presence in key areas using both marked and covert policing to help deter offending, identify suspicious activity, intervene early and arrest offenders.

Please be reassured that policing and security partners are working day and night to keep communities safe. Our message remains clear: this type of attack, which seeks to divide us, must not stop us from living our daily lives, but we must all protect each other by remaining vigilant.

If you see or hear anything that does not feel right, please trust your instincts and report it. You can report suspicious behaviour through the Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789 321, or in an emergency always call 999. 

For further official protective security and crime prevention advice, please remember RUN HIDE TELL and visit the guidance provided by Counter Terrorism Policing, ProtectUK and MI5.

Please keep an eye on Met Engage for local policing updates. For the latest operational updates and investigation news from the Metropolitan Police, please visit the Met News page here: news.met.police.uk.

You can also watch the official Met video: Brave officers confront suspected terrorist. 

Thank you for your continued support and vigilance.