Counter-terror barriers to be installed at Windsor Castle in wake of Westminster attack

Counter-terrorism barriers have been installed at Windsor Castle to protect the Changing of the Guard following last week’s horrific terror attack in Westminster.

Last Wednesday terrorist Khalid Masood killed three people and injured at least 50 others when he mowed down pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before stabbing police officer Keith Palmer in front of the Houses of Parliament.

Thames Valley Police has now installed new concrete barriers to try to prevent a similar attack outside the Queen's Berkshire residence.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Hardcastle said the security upgrade was made even though there was nothing to indicate a specific threat at Windsor.

ACC Hardcastle, Thames Valley's head of operations, said: “The force believes that it is proportionate and necessary to put in place extra security measures to further protect and support the public and the Guard Change.

"This is consistent with security deployments in London.

“Preventative measures such as these have been put in place across the UK over the past 10 years at various events.

“The national threat level remains severe, which it has been since 2014, and I would urge the public to be alert to the threat of terror attacks but not alarmed, and to remain vigilant.”

The new barriers are in addition to the existing road closures and ACC Hardcastle hoped they would offer extra protection for soldiers along the Guard Change route.

Ch Insp Sarah Grahame, deputy commander for Windsor and Maidenhead, said: “I hope that people in Windsor will understand the reasons that these barriers are being introduced, and will see why they are necessary.”

Cllr Simon Dudley, leader of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, added: “We support the good work of Thames Valley Police and the Metropolitan Police in their work to make Windsor a safer place for those who live, work and visit the town.

“These measures will increase security at the changing of the guard ceremony and the council is offering its help where necessary to ensure that this valued and popular tradition can continue.”