ARMED police took part in a security exercise at Colchester Garrison.

Police and Army bosses would not give any details about what the mock exercise entailed, other than to say it was a “security incident which required an armed response”.

The exercise, which took place yesterday at 10am and involved 50 police officers and army personnel, was the first of its kind in the town.

The findings will be sent to other garrisons and police forces throughout the country to examine.

Major Adrian Grinonneau, chief of staff at Colchester Garrison, said: “The threat is constantly moving and changing.

“That means working with Essex Police and other emergency services.”