Latest news with #ColchesterGarrison
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Telegraph
Police blunder put paratroopers on alert for ‘Lee Rigby-style' threat
Military staff at an Army base were mistakenly put on alert over a 'Lee Rigby-style' threat to behead a paratrooper. Security was tightened at the Colchester garrison, where Parachute Regiment battalions are located, after online threats were intercepted by Nottinghamshire police. All military staff at the base were warned not to wear any uniforms or clothing outside the camp that would identify them as military personnel. The families of service members were also sent warnings. However, a spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police has said: 'This story relates to outdated intelligence and does not relate to any current threat or investigation.' It is understood that due to an error made by police logging the date the post was made, military officials were mistakenly informed this week it was a new threat. Fusilier Rigby was murdered by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale on May 22 2013, outside the Royal Artillery barracks in Woolwich, south London, after he was seen wearing a Help for Heroes hoodie, which was popular with troops. The alert sent to families and service personnel at Colchester Garrison, where 3,500 troops and 750 civilian workers are based, said: 'Urgent. All, please disseminate to all your people in camp. 'We have received a warning that a man has made threats against members of the Para Regt and wants to carry out a 'Lee Rigby' style attack. 'The SCC [Security Control Centre] and main gate have been informed but ensure no Para Regt/military clothing is worn outside camp and remain vigilant.' Colchester's military history dates back to the late 18th century when the first barracks were built in the city. The garrison is the home of 16 Air Assault Brigade and troops from the Parachute Regiment's second and third battalions, alongside other infantry and aviation units and supporting detachments, such as logistics and medical personnel. Airborne forces are known to wear regimental clothing outside working hours, particularly their distinctive maroon-coloured T-shirts and fleeces, most often worn with tight jeans and desert boots, a tradition that goes back many decades. Fusilier Rigby was a father-of-one from Middleton, Greater Manchester, and had served in Afghanistan. At the time of his death, he was working in army recruitment. He was a trained machine-gunner and a regimental drummer. He was given a military funeral at Bury parish church on July 12 2013.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Bungling police spark military base alert as they wrongly issue warnings of 'Lee Rigby-style' threat to British paratroopers
Thousands of Army troops and their families were alerted to a 'Lee Rigby-style' threat at their base after an administrative error by police. The elite Paras were banned from wearing uniform or any military regalia after cops warned a suspect may be planning an attack. A man's name and photograph were circulated across Colchester Garrison and soldiers were warned their partners and children could be targeted. But it emerged this afternoon that the threatening online post which prompted the alert was actually made last year. It is understood that due to an error logging the date the post was made, military officials were mistakenly informed it was a new threat. No action was taken against the man who made the post. Earlier today before the blunder was revealed, defence sources confirmed the identity and image that were being circulated. The warning to soldiers and dependents referred specifically to the fatal attack on Fusilier Lee Rigby in 2013. But the alert in Colchester, where the Paras' second and third battalions are based, was stood down yesterday when it emerged the threat was a year old. Police intercepted the suspect's messages last year. But due to an administration error, police warned the Ministry of Defence this week that Paras could face a fatal attack. The suspect's recent release from prison on an unrelated charge is understood to be why his conduct a year ago came to be re-examined. Around 3,500 troops, 750 civilian staff and their dependents live in and around the Essex base. The initial message read: 'Urgent. All, please disseminate to all your people in camp. 'We have received warning that a man has made threats against members of the Para Regt and wants to carry out a 'Lee Rigby' style attack. 'The SCC [Security Control Centre] and main gate have been informed but ensure no Para Regt/military clothing is worn outside camp and remain vigilant.' The MoD had issued a statement which said: 'The safety and wellbeing of our personnel is our top priority. We are aware of an online threat, which is being investigated by the civilian police. 'Personnel are always advised to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the Royal Military Police.' Fusilier Rigby, a father-of-one was hacked to death in broad daylight while walking near Woolwich Barracks in south London. His attackers chose to target him because he was wearing a Help for Heroes hoodie popular with troops. Colchester's military history dates back to the late 18th century when the first barracks were built in the Essex city. Today, it is the home of 16 Air Assault Brigade and troops from the Parachute Regiment's second and third battalions are based there alongside other infantry and aviation units and supporting detachments such as logistics and medical personnel. Airborne Forces are notorious for wearing regimental clothing outside working hours, particularly distinctive maroon-coloured t-shirts and fleeces, most often worn with tight jeans and desert boots, a tradition that goes back many decades. Fusilier Rigby, from Middleton, Greater Manchester, and had served in Afghanistan. At the time of his death he was working in army recruitment. He was a trained machine-gunner and a regimental drummer. He was given a military funeral at Bury Parish Church on 12th July 2013.
