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Manchester UK Travel Alert

23 May 2017 ,  —

London


International SOS & Control Risks continue to monitor the situation in Manchester, UK, in the light of yesterday’s incident at Manchester Arena, where an explosion occurred late on 22 May that police have attributed to a suicide bomb attack.

Significant travel disruption should be expected on 23 May in Manchester (Greater Manchester county) and travel plans adjusted accordingly. A security cordon has been set up and road closures implemented in the affected area. Manchester Victoria rail station is set to remain closed until at least 24 May but operations at Manchester Airport (MAN) are normal. Security alerts are liable to prompt short-notice travel disruption across the UK.

Impact on other Western Europe countries
International SOS & Control Risks anticipates that a more visible police presence should also be expected across Western Europe, with the potential for closer scrutiny upon entry to some countries including France, Belgium and Germany.  Security arrangements are liable to include an increased police presence at major transport hubs, major events venues, including international conferences, and in central public spaces.  Suspicious packages or activity and related security operations could cause travel disruption in the coming days and weeks, including short notice evacuations.

Travel to the UK
  • Travel to the UK and Western Europe can proceed. Security alerts are likely and could result in the short-notice evacuation of transport hubs. Allow ample time for travel within the UK and maintain flexible itineraries. 
  • Security hoaxes tend to proliferate in the aftermath of high-profile terrorist attacks, especially via web-based social networks. Ensure you have access to reliable intelligence and refrain from acting on the basis of unverified information. 

We advise people to remain alert to their surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour to the authorities.

For the latest information and advise, members are advised to register for email alerts and review the travel security updates on Travel Security Online and through the International Membership Portal.  



Notes to Editors

About International SOS and Control Risks

Our alliance brings together two of the world’s leading medical and security specialists, International SOS and Control Risks. Our combined resources and expertise are well placed to meet the customers’ growing need for integrated travel security risk services. Our solutions ensure that mobile employees are safe and productive and help employers with their duty of care obligations. 50 dedicated experts, located across the globe with access to over 200 dedicated travel security experts through 26 regional Assistance Centres and a partner network of over 700 accredited providers, produce global travel security information and analysis 24/7. We also provide travel security training, preventative travel assessment, support with the development of travel security risk policies, evacuation plans and the latest technology to enable clients to track and communicate with their mobile employees.