SOLDIERS could soon be called in to patrol Leeds-Bradford Airport now the UK terror threat has been raised to state critical.

West Yorkshire's Chief Constable Angela Williams has now confirmed she has requested military back-up to keep the region safe after saying earlier today she was constantly considering whether or not to make the request and announcing there would be a significant policing presence at key sites across the region including the airport.

"I can confirm that, like a number of other Forces, we have submitted a request for military support, but people should not expect to see soldiers patrolling their communities at this time," she said.  

Chief Constable Williams has also warned an attack in the UK is expected imminently although there was no specific information about West Yorkshire.

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She said: “I know many people in our communities will have been following the news updates after the tragic events in Manchester on Monday night and heard that the UK terror threat level has been raised to state critical.

“This means an attack in the UK is expected imminently. This could happen anywhere in the UK and, at this time, there is no specific information about West Yorkshire.

“We’ve already said in earlier updates that we have increased high visibility police patrols across West Yorkshire and this has included more firearms officers at key locations to provide community reassurance. We continue to work with our partners and other emergency services in these difficult times.

“This is why we are here – to protect the communities we serve – and we remain as determined as ever to keep you safe. It’s what we are trained for and what we do best.

“The raising of the threat also means that we can, if required, call on military assistance to help us keep the communities of West Yorkshire safe. People may be expecting soldiers to be patrolling the streets today. This will not be the immediate case. The option of calling on military support is one I am constantly considering.

“I of course understand people’s concern at this time but we are doing everything we can. I would urge the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police by calling the confidential anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321. In an emergency always dial 999.

“There are a number of large-scale public events taking place across West Yorkshire in the coming days and later today England host South Africa in a one-day cricket match at Headingley. There will be a significant policing presence at the ground and at other key sites including Leeds Bradford International Airport.

A spokesman for Leeds Bradford Airport said it would not be making a statement.

Meanwhile the family of Otley mum Wendy Fawell missing since the Manchester blast are still waiting for news.

A candlelit vigil was held in her hometown last night attended by more than 100 people after the event was organised with Mrs Fawell's family's consent.

Leeds North West Parliamentary candidate Greg Mulholland, posted on Twitter: "A very moving vigil in #Otley for victims of the #Manchester attack, the town and community praying for Wendy, Caroline and their families."

Ms Fawell's son Adam expressed his appreciation for all the support the family had been offered on the Otley – Our Town Facebook page.

Speaking of the vigil, he said: "To everyone who is going down tonight. This means so much to me, for all your support in trying to find my mum."

This is something I will never forget. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

He had also posted: "My mother is still missing after the explosion. My thoughts and well wishes go out to all the other families who have people still missing. Be strong! "They will be found and come home safe!"

Many residents posted messages of support to the Fawell family, with Vicki Gilbert's comment typical: "Really hope your Mum is found safely and soon. Can't imagine what you're all going through we're all standing with you and your family x"

Mrs Fawall's friend Caroline Davis, also from Otley, has had surgery and is in Royal Oldham Hospital.

Her sister Karon Osborne on Facebook said Ms Davis was "in no fit state" to talk about her experience yet and that there was no change in news about Mrs Fawall.

Bradford’s Muslim community has been coming together to condemn the terror attack and remember the victims.

A local charity, the Umeed Welfare Trust, held a vigil last night at The Venue, Sunbridge Road.

Among the speakers was Councillor Mohammed Shafiq (Lab, Bradford Moor), who said afterwards: “People felt really sorry for the families of the victims who went to enjoy their evening and did not come back home.

“Terrorists try to destroy communities but despite this, the Muslim community and the rest of the community are united in Bradford and will fight against the terrorists in our land.”

A separate vigil is being held in City Park tomorrow at 5.30pm.

One of the organisers, Mukhtar Ali, said he felt it was important for “people of our backgrounds to show solidarity with the victims, as well as with each other”.

This evening, Bradford's Central Mosque is opening its doors to all to show solidarity with the victims and their families.

The event at the mosque in Darfield Street, Westgate, will begin at 6pm.

A mosque spokesman said: "Bradfordians from all walks of life and backgrounds are invited to join the City’s faith and civic leaders for the prayer vigil as a mark of respect for victims and their families and to show solidarity in defiance of the forces of violence."

Local human rights and racial justice organisation has condemned Monday's attack and called on police forces to send a clear message on reprisal attacks against Muslims.

A spokesman said: "We send our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones and have sustained injuries. The attack which the police believe is a terrorist incident was cowardly in its intent as it deliberately targeted innocent young people.

"The courage, compassion and unconditional support demonstrated by Mancunians is a testimony to how communities can rally together in times of adversity rather than give terrorists victory by allowing ourselves to be divided.
 
"The terrorist attack has been widely condemned by both faith and secular organisations and Muslim communities have been unequivocal in their condemnation of the incident.

"We note that following the Brexit vote, West Yorkshire experienced one of the largest spikes in hate crimes across the country. We therefore call on police forces across Yorkshire to send the clearest message that reprisal attacks against Muslims will not be tolerated and the police will take firm action, particularly as there is already evidence that mosques across the country are being targeted. 

"We urge the police to widely publicise hate crime reporting centres across Yorkshire and ensure that communities are being encouraged to report incidents of harassment, threats and acts of violence.

"Similarly, the bold response by Mancunians challenging attempts by the EDL to whip up racism and xenophobia in the immediate aftermath of the attack is a testimony to how communities can challenge attempts by extremists and terrorists to divide communities.

"JUST calls on Yorkshire’s MPs and councillors to show leadership and send the clearest cross-party messages that communities remain united. 

"We urge prospective parliamentary candidates not to use the terrorist attacks for electioneering gains and instead call for calm and community unity."

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