Firefighters in 'marauding terror attack' training

Mannequins were used in the exercise, which aimed to replicate some of the conditions seen in a so-called marauding terrorism attack

The Westminster terror attack of 22 March 2017 was one of three incidents in the past 10 years in London that have led to a greater emphasis on training for the capital's emergency services.

This week, firefighters, police officers and paramedics have been taking part in an exercise in Colchester, Essex, to test their ability to respond.

Pink smoke billows from a car while a group of firefighters assess a group of "casualties".

It looks very realistic but thankfully they are assessing mannequins and this is only a training exercise. It centres on what is known as a marauding terrorism attack (MTA).

Such incidents are defined by factors such as the use of a bladed weapon, a vehicle as a weapon, fire, an improvised explosive device (IED) or a firearm.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) assistant commissioner Patrick Goulbourne says firefighters are always ready to respond to a terrorist attack.

"People sometimes forget our work is more than just fighting fires," he says. "Our crews are trained to co-ordinate and carry out complex rescue operations and provide immediate emergency care."

The brigade has been working on how it tackles MTAs

Firefighters are issued with special protective clothing for MTA incidents, including helmets and bulletproof vests.

Mr Goulbourne says the brigade has been working on how it tackles MTAs since 2017.

There have been three such incidents in the capital since then, at Westminster Bridge, London Bridge and Fishmongers' Hall, and the brigade has also taken on recommendations from the Manchester Arena public inquiry.

A memorial to PC Keith Palmer, one of five people murdered by Khalid Masood in the 2017 Westminster attack

Incidents involving terrorism often start out as seemingly routine calls that then require the brigade to work fast to adapt to changing circumstances.

"It's really important that we have the training and equipment to allow us to respond effectively to this type of incident," says LFB group commander Shaun Coltress.

"It is incredibly important that we work with our blue-light partners... and that the brigade has learned from previous incidents and is better prepared."

Mr Coltress adds: "Our staff are really motivated to help Londoners, but the brigade is always keen to learn from previous incidents."