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Canary Wharf Hosts Largest Counter‑Terrorism Exercise in Modern London

Organisers say the drill tested police, fire and ambulance plans alongside private security to strengthen how they respond to mass casualty attacks

Overview

  • Counter Terrorism Policing London ran a large live‑play exercise at Canary Wharf on Sunday that organisers describe as the largest of its kind in modern times.
  • More than 1,000 participants took part, including police, counter‑terrorism investigators, firefighters, paramedics and Canary Wharf Group security plus dozens of actors who simulated casualties.
  • The scenario practised a marauding terrorist attack and was not sparked by specific intelligence, though officials reminded the public the national threat level remains 'severe'.
  • The drill incorporated lessons from past incidents such as 10‑second triage from the Manchester Arena response and trialled emerging tools including drones while a section of the estate was closed for live play.
  • Officials said the exercise produced immediate multi‑agency learning, reinforced public–private cooperation and followed recent funding increases for intelligence and counter‑terror policing that aim to boost readiness.