Staff undergo anti-terror course

Experts have been training Edinburgh shop staff

Shop workers in Edinburgh have been undergoing training to spot potential terrorists and suspicious packages.

More than 60 delegates from the retail, finance and security sectors took part in the Project Griffin training seminar on Tuesday.

The one-day conference brought together experts from Lothian and Borders police, Edinburgh City Council and the Metropolitan Police.

The Counter Terrorism Branch from the City of London Police were also there.

Ch Supt George Simpson, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: "Certain sectors of our community, such as the transport infrastructure, do face increased risk, however, it should be noted that all terrorist attacks require a great deal of planning and preparation.

Improve security

"It is at this stage that those involved are vulnerable as their actions expose them to the increased risk of being detected.

"This is where the police and security services rely on the assistance from the public to identify such suspicious activity, in particular those professionals who work within the security industry and those involved in community safety within our local communities."

Tom Aitchison, Edinburgh City Council's chief executive, said that although the city was "extremely safe", the council would always seek ways to maintain and improve security.