Commandos' secret test of security sites

LIVE EXERCISE FOR BRITISH TROOPS

- By Marco Giannangeli DIPLOMATIC EDITOR

ON THE GROUND: Soldiers supported police in covert operation to assess counter-terror responses

BRITISH troops have mounted a top-secret operation in support of police to test how hostile states such as China and Russia might gather intelligence and carry out sabotage attacks on critical national infrastructure, the Sunday Express can reveal.

The covert mission took place in Manchester in June and has only now come to light through an internal Royal Marines publication.

It saw plain-clothed soldiers from 45 Commando disguised as foreign operatives to infiltrate security sites across the city including Manchester Airport.

Codenamed Lightning Manc, the exercise formed part of Greater