South Wales Emergency Services Drill Terror Attack Response
South Wales emergency teams pulled out all the stops this week in a major terror attack exercise. The live-play scenario, staged in partnership with Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), put around 300 people—including volunteers and members of the public—through their paces over two days.
Who Took Part in The Drill?
- Gwent Police
- West Midlands Police
- Counter Terrorism Policing HQ, Wales, and West Midlands
- South Wales Fire & Rescue
- Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust
- St John’s Ambulance
- Welsh Government
The drill tested multi-agency readiness for a terrorist attack at Newport International Sports Village, simulating chaos at a packed music event.
Leaders Praise Vital Training
Gwent Police Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hobrough said:
“This exercise was a welcome chance for Gwent Police to support a national CT exercise alongside our emergency service partners. We take these drills seriously to test our plans and be ready for any large-scale emergency. Preparation like this is vital to keeping communities safe.”
CTP Wales Assistant Chief Constable Wendy Gunney added:
“Although there’s no current specific threat to Wales, terror attacks can strike anytime, anywhere. This exercise gave us a crucial opportunity to work closely across agencies and test our response in a complex scenario. I’m grateful to all officers, staff, and blue-light partners for their dedication.
CTPHQ National Coordinator Chief Superintendent Helen Williams said:
“Large-scale terror incidents demand seamless teamwork—from community reassurance to national services. Regular exercises like this ensure we respond effectively and keep the public safe. Lessons learned here will be shared nationally to refine preparations.”
Public and Partnership Support
The team thanked Newport Live, who kindly provided the venue and support as a not-for-profit, aiming to keep their event attendees safe.
Remember, the UK terror threat level remains substantial. The public plays a crucial role in helping police. If something feels off, report it immediately.
