Just ACT to help counter terrorism

GREATER Manchester Police is calling on the public to share information with friends and family about how they can help counter terrorism - and potentially ACT to save lives.

Before last night's atrocity in Manchester, police had already put out alerts to remind communities that terrorists can strike anywhere and everyone across the UK should remain alert.

A nationwide campaign was launched recently to encourage anyone with concerns about possible terrorist activity to contact the authorities.

Called ACT, for Action Counters Terrorism, the key message is that no-one should worry about wasting police time. If you have suspicions ­- just ACT.

All the details can be seen online at gov.uk/ACT ­- which officers want people to share.

The site includes videos ­- watched by nearly one million people so far - along with posters and two podcasts which tell real life stories about how the public helped foil terror attacks.

Since launching the initiative in March, 3,000 people have contacted police with information.

The vast majority of concerns turned out to be nothing, but a small number contributed significant information that police have followed up on ­- information that might otherwise have been missed.

Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson, from North West Counter Terrorism Policing, said: "Information from the public is vital to stopping atrocities. The police and security services are working hard to tackle the threat but we can't do it alone.

"We are working with lots of different agencies and businesses who are all able to contribute to keeping our communities safe ­- but we need the public more than ever.

"We understand that people might hesitate to contact us because they are worried it could be wasting police time.

"In most cases it will be nothing to be concerned about but we would rather you called than risk us missing some vital piece of information which will be treated in confidence.

"Someone will know something that could make a big difference so please share the link gov.uk/ACT"