US/North Korea Summit Cancelled By President Trump

May 24, 2018 / By Armoured Cars / In security

US President Donald Trump has cancelled a planned summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

He said he had made the decision based on the "tremendous anger and open hostility" in a recent North Korean statement.

Mr Trump said it would be "inappropriate" to hold the summit as scheduled in Singapore on 12 June.

Court Hears Case Of IS Supporter Who Suggested Targeting Prince George

May 23, 2018 / By Armoured Cars / In security

An Islamic State supporter encouraged "lone wolf" attackers to target Prince George and inject poison into supermarket ice creams, a court heard.

Husnain Rashid, 32, of Leonard Street in Nelson, Lancashire provided an "e-toolkit for terrorism" over the internet, the prosecution alleges. He is accused of calling for the prince to be targeted at Thomas's Battersea primary school in south-west London.

Mr Rashid denies six terrorism offences at Woolwich Crown Court.

Anniversary Of Manchester Attack Marked With Day Of Remembrance

May 22, 2018 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Ariana Grande has tweeted "thinking of you all" ahead of a day of remembrance to mark the first anniversary of the Manchester Arena attack.

Twenty-two people were killed and hundreds injured when a bomb was detonated at the end of one of her concerts on 22 May 2017.

Events include a service at Manchester Cathedral at 14:00 BST and a sing-along vigil. There will also be a national minute's silence at 14:30.

Turkish Court Sentences 104 Former Military Officers To Life

May 22, 2018 / By Armoured Cars / In security

A Turkish court has sentenced 104 former military officers to life in prison for their involvement in a 2016 coup attempt, state media report.

They were given "aggravated life sentences", which come with tougher terms than a normal life sentence.

The country's president had previously said he backed reintroducing the death penalty for coup plotters. The failed coup to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan left at least 260 dead and 2,200 injured on 15 July 2016.

Russian Corrupt Assets 'Hidden' In London

May 21, 2018 / By Armoured Cars / In security

The UK has been accused of turning a "blind eye" to Russia's "dirty money", putting national security at risk.

The Commons foreign affairs committee said London was being used to hide the "corrupt assets" of President Vladimir Putin and his allies. It said it was "business as usual" for the UK despite the poisoning of Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter.

This undermined the UK's efforts to confront the full spectrum of President Putin's offensive measures, it said.

UK Government May Send More Troops To Afghanistan

May 18, 2018 / By Armoured Cars / In security

The government is considering sending hundreds more British troops to Afghanistan.

The defence secretary has written to Theresa May recommending the UK boosts its military presence in the country - but no decision has been made.

The UK currently has more than 600 troops in capital Kabul helping train Afghan security forces. It follows calls by US President Donald Trump and Nato for allies to join him in sending more troops to the country.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson recommended sending up to 400 more army personnel into Afghanistan, joining the 600 already there training Afghan soldiers.

Police In Remote Areas Could Be Routinely Armed To Deal With Terror Threats

May 17, 2018 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Front-line officers in remote, rural communities could be routinely armed in order to deal with terror threats, police chiefs have said.

The move is being considered by the National Police Chiefs' Council because of a lack of specialist counter-terrorist firearms officers. It comes after a drive to recruit these officers in England and Wales fell short by about 100.

Police said arming officers in remote areas would be a last resort.

Kim Jong-un May Pull Out Of Summit With Trump

May 16, 2018 / By Armoured Cars / In security

North Korea has said it may pull out of a summit with US President Donald Trump if the US insists it gives up its nuclear weapons.

The highly anticipated meeting between Mr Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong-un is due to take place on 12 June. But in an angry statement, North Korea's vice-foreign minister accused the US of making reckless statements and of harbouring sinister intentions.

He pointed the finger squarely at US National Security Adviser John Bolton.

"We do not hide our feeling of repugnance towards him," Kim Kye-gwan said.

Police Reveal More Than 800 People Injured In Manchester Arena Bombing

May 16, 2018 / By Armoured Cars / In security

More than 800 people are now known to have suffered physical and psychological injuries after the Manchester bombing, police have said.

Police previously reported 500 people were hurt in the Manchester Arena attack on 22 May 2017 in addition to the 22 killed.

Salman Abedi detonated a home-made device at an Ariana Grande concert.

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson said the night's events would be "forever" etched in the city's history.

Thousands Injured And 58 Killed In Gaza Violence

May 15, 2018 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Funerals are being held in Gaza for 58 people killed on Monday when Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinian protesters, in the deadliest day of violence there since a war in 2014.

The burials coincide with the 70th anniversary of what Palestinians call the Nakba - a mass displacement of Palestinians after Israel's creation.

Israel's military said it was preparing for further confrontations on Tuesday. But Palestinian groups indicated they intended to rein in the protests.