WILTSHIRE Police hosted a counter terrorism conference in order to raise awareness of the government’s counter-terrorism strategy.

Officers discussed the scheme known as Prevent, which aims to stop people becoming radicalised, along with almost 100 delegates from NHS, Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire Council and local schools and colleges.

Former far right activist Nigel Bromage gave a presentation about the threat from far right extremism, and the importance of intervention at an early age for individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Another presentation was given by Kalsoom Bashir which explained the religion of Islam and challenged the extremist narratives behind it, before detective inspector Richard Turner gave an insight into the plans and procedures in place to monitor counter terrorism in Wiltshire and the south west.

Detective Turner went on to explain the process which people should under take if they have concerns about an individual.

Wiltshire Police’s new acting assistant chief constable, Craig Holden, said: “Education, understanding and awareness are fundamental parts of our strategy and the conference demonstrated the partnership commitment to tackling extremism, terrorism and radicalisation.

“There has been a range of thought-provoking and informative presentations that will challenge our thinking, our responses and our strategies.

“The conference was also a great opportunity for agencies to network closely, spot the signs of radicalisation and other vulnerabilities so that we can report them, divert people from harm and collectively face the challenges of extremism in the future.”

For more information on the government’s counter-terrorism strategy, visit www.preventtragedies.co.uk.