Dramatic footage of a New South Wales Police carrying out a terror training exercise at Sydney's Central railway station has been released.
'Exercise Pantograph' was designed by counter-terrorism police to prepare first responders for a terror incident and refine the skills of the NSW Police Force, Transport for NSW, Fire and Rescue and Ambulance NSW in a high-risk incident.
Footage shows two fake terrorists running through Central Station on Tuesday night, acting as though they are stabbing victims and firing weapons.
Police then responded with armed officers storming the station searching for the assailants.
The footage shows an intense search for the 'terrorists', the response after a shootout and the targets being apprehending.
Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch said after recent world events it is important first responders are trained to deal with high-risk scenarios.
“These types of exercises not only give police and partner agencies the critical training required in these types of situations but also enhance the tactical skills in order to protect the community in environments where contain-and-negotiate tactics aren’t appropriate,” the commander of the Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command said.
“Recent incidents such as the attack on London Bridge and Borough Market, and the attacks at the Bataclan theatre in Paris, have shown us that armed terrorists, can strike anywhere at any time.
“As first responders, we have to be able to deal with situations with strength and surety."
Authorities at Central station thanked the public for responding well to the building being closed during the exercise.
