Police in Greater Manchester joined forces with other agencies to carry out a simulated terror attack but it has been marred by objections to the fake suicide bomber shouting "Allahu Akbar".
The first stage of a simulated terrorist attack at intu Trafford centre finished this morning.
The exercise, codenamed Exercise Winchester Accord, began at midnight on Monday 9 May 2016 at intu Trafford Centre.
Greater Manchester Police officers and other emergency services, including Merseyside Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service, were deployed in the staged exercise, to test and evaluate the emergency services response to a major terrorist incident.
The first stage of the exercise at intu Trafford Centre took place whilst the centre was closed to the public, and ran from midnight and into the early hours.
Over the following two days the exercise will continue in locations in the North West, including Redbank Community Home, in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside on Wednesday 11 May 2016.
Assistant Chief Constable Rebekah Sutcliffe said: “Stage one of the exercise finished this morning and will continue until Wednesday.
“I want to make it clear that this is not linked to any specific terror threat or attack, but is an opportunity for us to make sure we are in the best position possible, should a terrorist attack happen in the North West.
However there were accusations the Police had resorted to stereotypes, Manchester peace activist Dr Erinma Bell criticised the use of a "Muslim terrorist".
Speaking after concerns were raised about the counter-terrorism operation at the Trafford Centre, 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 ‘Allahu 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.”
Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: "The scenario for this exercise is based on an attack by an extremist Daesh-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 of 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."
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