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Counter Terrorism Policing and emergency services have carried out a large-scale exercise to test their response to a major terrorist incident on a cross-Channel ferry docked in Dorset.
The operation, hosted at the Port of Poole, involved several hundred personnel from local and national agencies and was centred on a Brittany Ferries vessel. It was coordinated by Counter Terrorism Policing South West (CTPSW) working alongside Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE), both part of the national Counter Terrorism Policing network.
The two-day exercise, held on 14 and 15 January 2026, tested how police and partner agencies would respond to complex and fast-moving incidents both on and offshore. Ambulance and fire and rescue services also took part, reflecting their critical roles in the event of a terrorist attack.
Police said the exercise was not linked to any specific threat or intelligence, but formed part of a routine national programme designed to ensure emergency services remain prepared for a major incident.
Regional Assistant Chief Constable Andy Hill, speaking on behalf of Counter Terrorism Policing South West, said such exercises were vital in maintaining readiness.
“Exercises like this take place regularly across all emergency services and are a crucial way of testing the response that would be required in the event of a major incident such as a terrorist attack,” he said.
“Not only do exercises help us all understand each other’s roles, they also provide an opportunity to identify learning, which can then be adopted to strengthen our response and ensure we provide the best possible protection to our communities.”
Regional Assistant Chief Constable Andy Hill.
He added that counter-terror policing teams continually review plans and protective measures to ensure they and their partners are ready to respond effectively “should the worst happen”.
Dorset Police Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne said the force was pleased to host the operation.
“This type of training is an integral part of policing and ensures we deliver an immediate and robust response to a major incident with our partners,” he said.
“Simply put, this is about protecting the public with a strong and dynamic response that helps us to protect life.”
Poole Harbour Commissioners, which supported the exercise, said hosting an operation of this scale provided a valuable opportunity to test real-world coordination in a busy port environment.
Chief executive Captain Brian Murphy said: “Hosting an exercise of this scale enabled partners to test coordination, communication, preparedness and response arrangements in a live port environment, while ensuring the continued safety of passengers, staff and harbour users.”
Brittany Ferries said its involvement reflected an ongoing commitment to passenger and crew safety. Jo Bussell, the company’s UK ports director, said taking part in such exercises was an important element of its security approach.
The UK’s terrorism threat level remains at substantial, meaning an attack is assessed as likely.
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