[P]rime Minister Theresa May has announced the country’s terrorism threat level has been raised to “critical’ – meaning another attack is expected shortly.
Prime Minister Theresa May acted on the recommendation of the Joint Terrorism Analysis Center after the subway train bombing attack Friday at the Parsons Green station in southwest London. The analysis includes security services, police and government agencies.
The threat was raised from “severe” to “critical” – its highest possible level.
A manhunt is under way after the improvised explosive device was detonated on a crowded underground carriage, injuring at least 29 people.
May said military troops would augment the police presence in a “proportionate and sensible step.”
The Prime Minister said: “I have just been updated on the investigation into this morning’s cowardly terrorist attack in London.
“A major covert and overt investigation is taking place, involving police and security officials.
“I said earlier today that the national threat level was being kept under review.
“The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre – that’s the independent organisation which is responsible for setting the threat level on the basis of available intelligence – has now decided to raise the national threat level from severe to critical.
“This means that their assessment is that a further attack may be imminent.
“Following JTAC’s decision, the police have asked for authorisation from the Secretary of State for Defence to enact part of the first phase of Operation Temperer.
“This is a well-established plan to provide military support to the police and for this period military personnel will replace police officers on guard at certain protected sites which are not accessible to the public. The public will see more armed police on the transport network and on our streets providing extra protection.
“This is a proportionate and sensible step which will provide extra reassurance and protection while the investigation progresses.
“The public should go about their business in the normal way and as usual be vigilant and co-operate with the police.
“I said earlier that terrorism is a great challenge of our times. But by standing together we will defeat it.”
GMP Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: “Today’s awful attack in London will understandably have had a profound impact on those not only living or working in the capital, but also communities across the nation.
“Innocent people including children, parents, grandparents, siblings and loved ones would have been on that train and were no doubt utterly terrified by what they faced. My thoughts are with them and anyone who has been affected by this cowardly attack.
“At times like this we must send a clear message that we will continue to stand together and not live our lives in fear of these atrocities.
“There is no specific intelligence to suggest that an attack on Greater Manchester is imminent but following the decision to raise the threat level to critical, people will see an increase in unarmed and armed officers.
“There will also be extra officers at Manchester Arena’s Saturday night concert to provide visible reassurance to those attending, whilst we will look at plans for Sunday’s football fixture at Old Trafford.
“We will continue to monitor the situation to provide an appropriate response to keep our communities safe, as well as our deployment.
“I would ask you all to please remain vigilant. It is becoming increasingly vital that anyone who has any concerns about suspected terrorist activity should contact police as a matter of a priority.
“If you see anything that seems suspicious or worries you, please call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”
North Yorkshire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Phil Cain said: “The threat facing the UK has been raised from “severe” to “critical” following a national review the incident in London earlier today.
“I’d like to reassure the people of North Yorkshire that there is no specific threat identified to the county of North Yorkshire.
“However, given the threat posed following today’s events at Parsons Green, the public are being urged to remain calm but alert.”
Northumbria Chief Constable, Steve Ashman said: “This heightened threat means the public here in the Northumbria Police area will see an increased policing presence at key locations.
“This means the public will see more armed police officers at train stations, metro stations, transport hubs and other high footfall locations. This increased security is to protect and reassure the public.
“The number of officers on duty, both armed and unarmed, has been increased significantly to provide a reassuring presence. This will remain in place for as long as is necessary.
“In some parts of the country the military may be deployed to provide visible protective security patrols, however there are NO plans at this stage for the military to be deployed in the Northumbria area.
“There will be an increase in the numbers of armed police officers on patrol in our region to protect the public and that is being supported by police colleagues from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.
“The safety and security of our communities remains our priority and we are working with partners, central government and other agencies across the country to keep the public safe.
“We will be reviewing security measures at events across the force area this weekend to ensure there is an appropriate policing presence.
“We would ask the public to remain calm but alert. If you see anything that causes you concern, report it immediately to the police.”
Report suspicious activity to the police by calling or visiting the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or gov.uk/ACT
Report online terrorist and extremist material online by clicking on gov.uk/ACT