Specially trained anti-terrorism police are to be deployed to a world athletics championship in Leeds this weekend.
But West Yorkshire Police say there is 'no specific threat' to the AJ Bell World Triathlon Championship Series which takes place in Roundhay Park today (Saturday) and tomorrow.
Highly visible officers trained in 'Project Servator' tactics – designed to spot and neutralise potential terrorism and other criminal activity during planning and reconnaissance stages – will join regular neighbourhood police to reassure spectators and the public during the ticketed event.
Project Servator officers have been routinely deployed at major events since 2018.
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Assistant Chief Constable Tyron Joyce said: "West Yorkshire Police is highly experienced at supporting the AJ Bell World Triathlon Championship Series and other large events.
"As normal activity starts to return to West Yorkshire we are delighted to again attend these events to reassure residents and engage with those present to provide an appropriate community focussed policing presence.
"The deployment of Project Servator will support our Neighbourhood Policing Team presence and provide extra reassurance to residents as well as provide an extra layer of disruption to any potential criminal activity."
He added: "Project Servator officers will deploy across the site and nearby as preparations for the event get underway and during the event itself.
"They can turn up at any time and anywhere so please don’t be surprised if you see them. Officers will be supported by live monitored CCTV, armed police colleagues, stewards and security at the event.
"We would ask those who attend to come up, feel free to have a chat and report any suspicious activity to one of the Project Servator team or steward.
"We do encourage residents to act as extra eyes and ears to potential criminal behaviour so if you see something that doesn’t look or feel right, tell us and we’ll do the rest."
More information of Project Servator can be found here.
