Finchley Road added to list of possible targets for terrorist attacks

Police taking part in a national Counter Terrorism Awareness Week have expanded Camden’s “safety zones” to include Finchley Road, revealing it has been earmarked as a possible target for a terrorist attack.

Camden officers handing out information packs to shoppers and residents outside Waitrose in Finchley Road on Monday said the road has been highlighted as a “major arterial” route through London and so could be targeted by groups or individuals “wanting to cause major disruption”.

Police were handing out free emergency “grab bag” rucksacks to businesses along the road, advising staff to fill them with, among other things, high-vis vests, a wind up radio, foil blankets, first aid kits and a loud hailer.

The emergency bags also contained information on how to deal with bomb threats, suspicious devices and letter bombs.

It comes as the terrorism threat level in the UK remains “severe” and attacks were recently foiled.

Residents are asked if they see or hear anything suspicious to ring the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321.