Police Armed with Automatic Rifles Patrol Dorking Christmas Fair: Public Reaction Divided

Residents and visitors attending the Dorking Christmas Fair this weekend were met with an unexpected sight as police officers patrolled the festive event openly carrying automatic rifles. The increased armed presence has sparked a mix of reactions, ranging from gratitude for heightened security to concern over the normalization of visible armed policing in public spaces.

Visible Armed Patrols

The officers, equipped with automatic rifles, were part of a larger policing operation intended to ensure the safety of those attending the popular fair. While the Metropolitan Police and Surrey Police have occasionally deployed armed officers at large-scale events in response to potential security threats, the sight at a smaller, community-focused fair like Dorking’s has raised eyebrows.

A local resident expressed concern, saying: “Since when was this normal? Are we just going to accept this as our new reality in Britain?”

Justification for Armed Presence

When asked for comment, a police spokesperson said:
“The visible presence of armed officers is part of a proactive approach to reassure the public and ensure their safety during high-profile and well-attended events. There is no specific intelligence of a threat related to this event.”

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