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Army was put on standby after 21/7, Menezes jury told
Justin Davenport, Crime Correspondent01.10.08
Army units were put on standby across Britain in the wake of the failed 21 July London bomb attacks, the Jean Charles de Menezes inquest heard today.
Scotland Yard chiefs put soldiers on alert as they launched a massive manhunt for those behind the terrorist attacks. Senior officers feared other cities, such as Birmingham or Manchester, could be targeted by suicide bombers.
Details of the aftermath of the failed attacks emerged during the eighth day of the inquest into the death of Mr de Menezes. The Brazilian was shot dead at Stockwell Tube station on 22 July by police who mistook him for terrorist Hussain Osman.
Detective Superintendent Jon Boutcher said he was responsible for identifying those behind both the 7 July and 21 July attacks. Giving evidence at the Oval cricket ground, Mr Boutcher said a series of meetings were held in the late evening of 21 July.
The inquest heard senior officers were made aware of a number of similarities between the 7 July and 21 July bombings. "My assessment was London was going through a unique period and we were trying to make contingencies to prevent further attacks elsewhere," said Mr Boutcher.
"So I did seek to put measures, police measures, in place for firearms capabilities outside London, including military assets."
The police officer added that twoman "fly teams" were also created so Met specialists could be sent quickly to any location in Britain. He said he was worried the failed 21 July bombers were preparing another attack.
The inquest continues.
