Terror Attack Fears Force Armistice Day Procession To Use Trucks For Protection

War veterans have been pictured marching alongside huge haulage trucks on Armistice Day because of fears of a terrorist attack.

The images show former and current members of the Army, RAF and Navy - as well as cadets, guides, scouts and bands - navigating the four huge white and yellow vehicles.

Organisers of the Bedworth Armistice Day Parade were told by police in September that unless they used the vehicles to block main roads, the annual event would be at risk.

The trucks - which had 'Bedworth Haulage Ltd' written on the side of them - were used to block main entrances to the town.

Around 50 police officers were also seen at the march in Bedworth, Warwickshire, which is widely regarded as one of the country's biggest commemorations of the war dead.

The two-hour parade, which attracted thousands of spectators, saw locals gather around the Bedworth war memorial for a two-minute silence.

Gil Leach, 78, the former chairman of the Bedworth Armistice Day Parade Group, has remained heavily involved in the organisation of the event.

He said: "You have to be careful these days, and you have to take all the necessary precautions.

"The trailers may be a bit of an eyesore, but this is the way the world is today. It's sad, yes, but the police have a duty to protect the people.

"If they feel like something like that is necessary then we'll do it, regardless of whether or not it may be an eyesore...

"The trailers are effectively there to stop vehicles getting into the parade, and because they're mobile, they're able to move out the way if an ambulance comes. Thankfully that wasn't necessary, though."

Mum-of-one Makayla Rudkin, who works as a service manager, attends the event every year and is on the organising committee.

Speaking after the parade, she said: "This is an incredibly important day for everyone in Bedworth, and I think it's a fantastic event.

"There has definitely been a noticeable difference in security this year.

"It's a sad indictment of where we are these days that it's necessary, I think.

"It does make people feel safer, which is obviously the most important thing.

"I couldn't imagine an event like this ever being targeted, but it's quite reassuring that the measures are in place - even if it does look a bit silly."

Chief Inspector Daffyd Goddard from Warwickshire Police said: "As the public would expect we are working closely with our partners and the event organisers to ensure a safe parade for the many people taking part and attending.

"Security for such events is a matter for the organiser, however, we do offer advice regarding appropriate security, this advice considers the number of people attending, an understanding of the national threat level and any other local factors.

"Due to incidents in this country and worldwide one suggestion made was to consider putting in place approved vehicle mitigation, it is then a decision for the organisers as to whether they adopt this advice.

"Whilst there is no specific threat to either the event itself or in Warwickshire generally, we continue to advise the public to remain vigilant and report any concerns to police."

Cover picture courtesy of SWNS.