Troops in protective gear help an 'injured' soldier

Troops at Connaught Barracks joined Kent police, fire and ambulance services in the exercise in which a "suicide bomber" was shot by guards.

"It is an opportunity for men to fully understand our plans and the part they have to play," said Cpt Mick Potts of lst Battalion Parachute Regiment.

The training was carried out to combat any potential terror attack.

Cpt Potts added: "Secondly it is an opportunity for us to make sure the liaison we have with the police, fire service and ambulance is all tied in properly and will work in the event of an incident."

Last November, the head of MI5 warned there was no room for complacency about the terror threat.

The Ministry of Defence said exercises such as the one in Dover on Thursday happened periodically around the country.

"They ensure we have robust procedures in place to deal with any eventuality," a spokesman said.