UK terror threat level raised to ‘severe’

The terror threat level has been raised from substantial to severe, Home Secretary Theresa May has said.

This means an attack is deemed to be “highly likely”, but there is no intelligence to suggest one is imminent.

May said: “The increase in the threat level is related to developments in Syria and Iraq where terrorist groups are planning attacks against the West.

“Some of those plots are likely to involve foreign fighters who have travelled there from the UK and Europe to take part in those conflicts.”

She went on to add: “We face a real and serious threat in the UK from international terrorism.

“I would urge the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police.”

The threat level is set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC).

The JTAC’s decision comes amid growing concern about hundreds of aspiring British jihadis travelling to Iraq and Syria, where Islamic State militants have seized large swathes of territory, and the murder of American journalist James Foley.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, the UK’s most senior police officer, said Scotland Yard is ready for an influx in case large numbers of homegrown extremists return at the same time.

National Policing Lead for Counter-Terrorism, Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, said: “We need communities and families to bring to our attention anyone they perceive may be vulnerable, a danger or escalating towards terrorism.

“From this afternoon we will begin to increase our levels of visible patrols and implement other security and protection measures. We will also build on existing community relations to provide reassurance and seek their support and assistance in keeping the UK safe.”

There are five levels of threat: critical (an attack is expected imminently), severe (an attack is highly likely), substantial (an attack is a strong possibility), moderate (an attack is possible but not likely) and low (an attack is unlikely).