Every call counts in fight against terror

GIVE us a call — that’s the police message which went out to Oldham and across the North-West today in the latest fight against terrorism.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Porter, head of the North-West Counter Terrorism Unit, said: “People hold the key. It is important that they feel able to contact us if they have noticed anything they think is suspicious. We have expert officers with significant experience who can assess the information and decide on the most appropriate course of action.

“Sometimes that may be doing nothing but there are times when the piece of information given is the final piece of a jigsaw for us.”

The campaign against terrorism aims to explain what suspicious activity could look like. It includes people with passports and documents in multiple identities, buying large amounts of chemicals for no reason and suddenly acquiring a large amount of cash with no explanation.

During the month-long initiative, postcards and posters with the anti-terrorist hotline number on will be distributed across Oldham and the rest of the region. The messages will also feature at Manchester Airport.

Det Chief Supt Porter added: “People can report their concerns through the hotline and it will be treated in the strictest confidence.

“Don’t leave it for someone else, if you have concerns let us know. We need your help to keep our region safe.”