Terrorist threat level is “critical” in the UK, new attack may be imminent

The terrorist threat in the UK has reached “critical” level after the Manchester attack. The independent Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre says not only that an attack remains highly likely but a further attack may be imminent.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, announced the investigation into the terrorist attack in Manchester is large scale, fast moving and making good progress.

“There has been an arrest and there are currently multiple searches and other activity taking place. However, at this stage it is still not possible to be certain if there was a wider group involved in the attack; 24 hours in we have a number of investigative leads that we are pursuing to manage the ongoing threat,” Rowley explained.

He added that this concern has led to the independent Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre to raise the threat level to “critical” on Tuesday evening.

This is the highest threat level. The threat level was previously “severe” (an attack is highly likely), which was upgraded from “substantial” (an attack is a strong possibility) on 29 August 2014. Other threat levels include “low” (an attack is very unlikely), and “moderate” (an attack is possible, but not likely).

Police presence at key sites, such as transport and other crowded places, has been increased and the National Counter Terrorism Police are reviewing key events over the coming weeks.

“I have asked for support from the military to be deployed alongside the police. This will free up armed officers from certain guarding duties to release our officers to support the wider response. This is part of an agreed and well-rehearsed plan and military personnel will remain under the command and control of the police service,” Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said.

People are advised to remain calm but alert and if they see anything that causes them concern they should let police know immediately.

At least 22 people were killed and 59 wounded in an explosion at the end of a concert by U.S. singer Ariana Grande in the English city of Manchester on Monday. Police are calling it “the most horrific incident in Greater Manchester’s history.”

The perpetrator behind the Manchester attack was identified as a 22-year-old British man, Salman Ramadan Abedi, who was known to the security services. According to multiple sources, Salman Ramadan Abedi was born in Manchester in 1994 to a family of refugees from Libya.

The Metropolitan Police Service announced it has increased the number of officers on duty across the Capital, following the horrific terrorist attack in Manchester.