Services rehearse disaster response

The scenario started at around 8am when police officers and firefighters who were taking part were called to the scene of a simulated train accident.

The scene was set within the grounds of the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Headquarters in Birkenshaw and was shielded from public view to ensure minimal disruption to residents and passers-by.

Deceased casualties were represented by mannequins and volunteers played the roles of the walking wounded and witnesses.

West Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service joined forces in the exercise to see if any improvements can be made to existing plans and protocols as well as training staff.

The aim of the exercise was to ensure officers are fully trained to handle all manner of situations in the most professional and sensitive way possible.

Officers from West Yorkshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit, Operations Support Division and the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team were involved.

It is a requirement of both the police and fire and rescue service to be able to recover and identify bodies from a scene of mass fatality.

Det Supt Colin Prime said: “It is essential that we test our protocols and train officers regularly to ensure we can deal with any situation we are faced with.

“Victim identification is very sensitive and relatives and friends need to know that we have treated their loved ones with the up most decency and respect when they are recovered from a scene.”

Brian Robson, of West Yorkshire fire and rescue service said: “Sadly, when disasters do happen there are fatalities and it will enable us to train together, ensuring dignity is maintained when recovering bodies.”