A MOCK terrorist attack will be launched on a North West transport hub this weekend as part of a detailed training session to improve security at train stations, airports and bus terminals.
On Saturday chiefs from the region's police forces and ambulance services will gather in Chester for the high-pressure drill.
They will form a command unit working in an imitation operations centre that deals with emergencies throughout Merseyside and the rest of the North West.
The team will then be told about a terrorist-related incident at a transport hub and will be judged on how they deal with the situation.
British Transport Police Deputy Chief Constable Andrew Trotter is leading the session and said the location would remain top secret until the actual day.
He said: "This training session is vital in helping raise the standards of security in the North West and the whole region is involved.
"The incident could take place in Merseyside but the exact details are being kept private.
"Everyday life for passengers will not be affected but it will seem very real to those in the command unit.
"There will be a build up to the incident and it will be as close to a real situation as possible.
"Since the bombings in London, transport security has never been more important and these recreations are the best way to look at what is being done right and what is being done wrong."