POLICE forces in the region are supporting a week of action designed increase vigilance about potential terrorist threats.

Today (Monday, November 24) marks the launch of National Counter Terrorism Awareness Week, which will run until Sunday, with a range of measures to tackle extremism.

During this week, police will work with various agencies to deliver activities and events across the country to increase vigilance among the public, business and transport communities.

Winton Keenen, Assistant Chief Constable of Northumbria Police, said: “While there is currently no specific intelligence of an attack on the UK, it is vital we ensure we are in the best possible position to prevent and detect any potential terrorist threats.

“Members of the public and the business community have a particularly important role to play when it comes to recognising suspicious activity and reporting it to police.

“Those who work in, or visit, crowded places are often best placed to recognise the early signs that something is wrong.

“We want them to know what to do if they suspect something is out of the ordinary and how they can help to protect themselves and others.”

In August the threat to the UK from international terrorism was increased to ‘severe’.

This week activity will focus on five key areas, where simple measures and an increased understanding could help to prevent an act of terrorism.

Each day will feature a different theme: crowded places, transport hubs, preventing violent extremism, terrorist financing and the tools terrorists need to operate.

Each theme will be supported by different engagement activity, ranging from security briefings for sports venues, retailers, leisure parks and transport operators, to the delivery of public advice in community venues, universities and shopping centres.

Targeted police operations will also take place to disrupt terrorist activity, or criminal efforts which may help to fund or support terrorist objectives.

During Middlesbrough FC’s fixture with Blackburn Rovers at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday (November 29) there will be a message on counter terrorism awareness week on the large screen within the ground and information will be supplied in the match programme.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Barry Coppinger said: “It is vital that we make people aware of the part that they can play in protecting themselves and others from the threat of terrorism.”

Anyone with concerns about suspicious activity or behaviour is asked to contact the Confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800-789-321. In the case of an immediate threat, always dial 999.