Massive Terror Drill at Heathrow Tests Police and Emergency Services
The Metropolitan Police led a massive two-day live-play exercise called Exercise Crystal Peak at a disused terminal building at Heathrow Airport. Over 200 personnel took part, including blue-light emergency responders, specialist counter-terrorism officers, and volunteers acting as casualties.
Simulated Bomb Blast at Fake Music Concert
The drill simulated an improvised explosive device detonating at a packed stadium music concert, injuring large numbers of people. Commander Ade Adelekan stressed the importance of the exercise despite no specific threat:
“Previous attacks in Manchester and Paris show this kind of scenario at a busy entertainment venue is a real possibility. Exercises like this test how well our emergency services respond, ensure plans are fit for purpose, and help us spot areas for improvement.”
The training gave officers experience responding under realistic conditions with sights, sounds, and smells replicating a real attack. It wasn’t linked to aviation but used Heathrow’s disused terminal for space and control without disturbing the public.
Multi-Agency Teamwork in Action
- Armed police officers, explosives experts, dogs, and forensic teams took part.
- British Transport Police and City of London Police joined the effort.
- London Ambulance Service and Fire Brigade supported rescue, casualty handling, and recovery.
Day two moved to strategic coordination covering command control, intelligence, communications, firearms response, and victim identification as the scenario shifted towards recovery.
Keeping London Ready Amid ‘Substantial’ Terror Threat
This was the Met’s first major live-play exercise since the 2022 Lord Harris report on London’s terror preparedness. Commander Adelekan said:
“The terrorism threat level in the UK remains ‘substantial’. We cannot let up in preventing attacks or preparing to respond. I’m grateful to Heathrow Airport for letting us use their building. The public also play a vital role by staying vigilant and reporting anything suspicious.”
If you see or hear something odd, report it confidentially at 0800 789 321 or dial 999 in an emergency. You can also report concerns online at gov.uk/act.
