Woolwich killing: Aldershot residents' worry after soldier's death

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-22643886

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Residents in the garrison town of Aldershot have spoken of their fears after the killing of a serving soldier in Woolwich.

Security around barracks across the south has heightened since the attack on Wednesday.

Aldershot is home to a number of regiments including The Irish Guards, based at Mons Barracks.

Residents there - and in the Berkshire garrison town of Windsor - spoke of their concerns.

The 62-year-old exam invigilator said: "It does concern me.

"If it can happen in broad daylight in Woolwich, it could happen here.

"The fact that there's a strong military presence makes it worse. It's absolutely horrific.

"It's not going to frighten us though, we're going to keep going."

The 44-year-old store manager said: "We're worried that suddenly the target will be here.

"If anyone wanted to do any harm, this is the main place I think.

"There is a big army presence here."

The retired 77-year-old said: "It does raise concern and it could happen to anybody, anywhere.

"It's so sad, we've still got the military here (in Aldershot).

"Something like that could happen here."

The retired 71-year-old said: "You see the military in uniform walking around the area a lot.

"At nearby Frimley Park Hospital we have got a lot of military doctors and surgeons.

"I know people in the military so this raises concerns about their safety."

The retired 75-year-old said: "I don't know that we can do much about these random attacks.

"How can one know where to look and when?

"You could put a barrier around army barracks and the minute anyone steps outside someone could throw a bomb."

'Truly frightened'

In Windsor, there was also a sense of concern around the town's two garrisons.

Victoria and Combermere barracks are home to the Coldstream Guards and the Household Cavalry Regiment.

BBC Radio Berkshire reporter Catherine Bolsover said: "People walk past the barracks every day on their way to work or the train station, it's a place that usually makes them feel safe and secure.

"One couple I spoke to in their 80s have been living in Windsor for 59 years.

"They told me they were 'truly frightened' by the Woolwich incident and that it made them worry as soldiers are so visible in the town."