News Attempted Raf Abduction

[Sandstone]

Two men armed with a knife attempted to abduct an RAF serviceman yesterday, but he fought them off. This was less than ten miles away from me.

It sounds as if it may have been a terrorist related event, but the police are being carefully unspecific about it. Too many echoes of Lee Rigby though. The poor man must had that in his mind as he fought.

I'm quite disturbed. It feels very close to home. Several of my friends and former colleagues are married to people from that base. I'm also worried about a backlash. The description of suspects in their 20's of Middle Eastern appearance is so wide, and invites reaction.

I always knew theoretically that this was a potential target, but I also told myself that rural Norfolk was a pretty safe place to be, and that my anxiety was PTSD hypervigilance based, not real. Life feels one stage more precarious now.

 

[hodge]

Yikes, Sandstone! That is really disturbing. If I lived there, I would keep that hypervigilance going when away from home. Be careful!

 

[Sandstone]

I'm not sure if that is a rational attitude. For a terrorist who is acting against a part of the armed forces involved in may actions in the Middle East, I'm not a relevant target. In a way, the fact that these don't seem to have been highly competent individuals is more worrying. Bystanders are more likely to be affected by people who don't have control of their actions.

However, there are more obvious, high profile targets even than the RAF in the immediate area. I'm thinking twice about which public events I attend, and have been for a while.

I remember living in London when the IRA were highly active, and how all those bag searches could be reassuring as well as as an intrusive reminder. I'd quite like to see that happen at the concert I'm planning to attend soon

 

[hodge]

Yes, but you could be a bystander in the way of something. Look at what happened in Nice. Just sayin'.

 

[Sandstone]

Yes. I think I'm trying to convince myself that it is a low level risk. I'm also trying to persuade myself to stop checking every car that passes in case it is the one the police have described.

 

[hodge]

I'm just wishing you well, Sandstone. I would hate to be living where you are with this going on, but if I were, I would be watching out for that car. Take care.

 

[hodge]

I can understand it's probably the last thing you want to do. It's really hard to manage PTSD when there's all this violence -- rhetorical and actual-- going on in the States and with the threat going on where you are.

 

[illusionist]

I'm in rural Norfolk but keeping my mind focused to the views from the skies I've seen while I've been flying. It's a vast, vast area, and until now, I've not heard anything remotely similar to this in this area.....nothing is going to destroy my peace and tranquillity I've experienced here in the past 8 years. I will remain focused on the positives. It's the safest place I have ever lived, by far.

 

[Sandstone]

It's the safest place I have ever lived, by far.

I see today we are back to proper Norfolk. Third headline on BBC Norfolk page....
Tubby toad gets wedged in decking
I'm still thinking about whether it is wise to go the Sandringham show though.

 

[hodge]

Lol, I thought our local newspaper was funny. Hahaha! I am so glad the toad was released unharmed and all is well!!

However, given other recent events, I would think twice about going to that show, too. Be safe, Sandstone :hug:s

 

[illusionist]

Personally, I only go to large gatherings if I really feel it is worth it as I am not comfortable, in the least.....it is part of my healing that I have major problems with. I don't cut myself up about it as I don't feel, as a rule, I am missing out.

I recently attended an air show....felt totally uncomfortable, spaced out etc, but to watch the skies and the buzz I got, made it worthwhile.

Only you can decide if it is worth the risk to you.


P.s love the latest news on Tubby!.....I sat up a whole night waiting on one coming out behind my cooker so he could get back outside again...they regularly take a wrong turn and end up in my house....beautiful little creatures.

 

[illusionist]

A possible guide?......if the royals cancel?...take that as a possible hint?

If they attend?....I imagine there is little risk.