UK terror threat raised to ‘severe’, meaning attack ‘highly likely’

Police on patrol in Oxford Street (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

The UK’s terror threat level has been raised from “substantial” to “severe”, meaning an attack is highly likely. 

It comes following a deadly terror attack in Vienna.

The attack occurred on the eve of a national lockdown in Austria, with the capital’s streets reportedly particularly busy with people enjoying a final night-out - scenes expected to be replicated in England on Wednesday before its own second lockdown.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said the Home Office had offered its counter-terror expertise to “help Austria with their investigation”.

AFP via Getty Images

Now the UK has raised its own threat level as England’s second lockdown approaches.

Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted: “The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has changed the UK terror threat level from substantial to severe.

“This is a precautionary measure and is not based on any specific threat.

“The public should continue to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.”