What is the UK terror threat level and has it been raised to critical since the Manchester bombing? – The Sun

BRITAIN’S official terror threat level has been raised to “critical” by Theresa May after a bomber slaughtered at least 22 people – including children – at a packed pop concert in Manchester.

The explosion at an Ariana Grande gig came just two months after a deadly attack outside Parliament in London.

Manchester Arena terror attack

Wounded concertgoers are treated by emergency workers after a suicide nail bomb attack at the Manchester Arena

What happened at the Manchester Arena?

A bomb exploded in the foyer of Manchester Arena moments after US pop star Ariana Grande left the stage on May 22.

Witnesses told how nuts and bolts were sent flying in the blast as fans made their way to Manchester Victoria train station next door.

At least 59 fans were injured and 22 lost their lives, including children and the lone male attacker Salman Abedi.

This morning Greater Manchester Chief Constable Ian Hopkins gives briefing following Manchester Arena explosion

This morning Greater Manchester Chief Constable Ian Hopkins gives briefing following Manchester Arena explosion

Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins said: “The priority is to determine whether he acted alone or was part of a network.

“We believe at this stage was conducted by one man. He died at the arena.

“He was carrying an improvised explosive device which he detonated causing this atrocity.

“It is important that we all remain vigilant as we go about our daily lives.”

Shocking pictures and video footage showed injured gig-goers leaving the 21,000 capacity arena as passers-by rushed to their aid.

What is the UK terror threat level and has it been raised?

The current threat level for international terrorism in the UK is critical, which means an attack is expected “imminently”.

There are five threat levels, decided by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, designed to give a broad indication of the likelihood of an attack.

The UK’s threat level was upgraded from “severe” to “critical” on May 23, 2017, following the Manchester bombing on May 22.

The last time the threat level was deemed “critical” – the highest level – was in June 2007 just before the 7/7 bombings.

According to MI6, the current threat from ISIS is “unprecedented”, with the terrorist organisations targeting the UK from deep inside Syria.

An EU report warned more than 1,500 jihadists have returned to Europe with orders to “carry out attacks“.

What do the threat levels mean?

Threat levels are designed to give a broad indication of the likelihood of a terrorist attack.

  • LOW means an attack is unlikely.
  • MODERATE means an attack is possible, but not likely
  • SUBSTANTIAL means an attack is a strong possibility
  • SEVERE means an attack is highly likely
  • CRITICAL means an attack is expected imminently

Westminster attacker Khalid Masood was also known as Adrian Elms and Adrian Russell Ajao

London terror attack – what happened at Westminster and how many people have died?

The attacker identified as Khalid Masood, 52, was responsible for murdering four people including a police officer outside Westminster on Wednesday March 22.

Armed with two large knives, mowed down pedestrians with a rented car, reportedly hired last Thursday in Birmingham, on Westminster Bridge.

He then crashed into a gate outside Houses of Parliament before fatally stabbing police officer PC Keith Palmer, aged 48.

MP Tobias Ellwood attempted to revive PC Palmer but the husband and father could not be saved.

The suspect lies on a stretcher outside Parliament with paramedics treating his injuries while armed cops stand guard

The suspect lies on a stretcher outside Parliament with paramedics treating his injuries while armed cops stand guard

Six people died – including the attacker – and 29 were injured – seven in critical condition.

MPs and parliament staff were locked in the House of Commons for five hours.

His murder rampage came to an end when he was shot dead by police.

At the time UK’s top lawyer David Anderson QC warned there is now a “wider range” of dangers than there has been before and despite having the skills to fight terrorism, “we need a bit of luck as well”.

Security services and counter-terrorism units have foiled at least 10 attacks in the past two years.

 

Travel And Railway Operations Ahead Of The Festive Break

The UK’s terror threat level gives a broad indication of how likely an attack is, based on a range of factors

Why were laptops and tablets banned on some planes a day before the Westminster attack?

The attack in Westminster came a day after the UK government ordered airlines to ban passengers from taking large electronic devices such as tablets into the cabin on non-stop UK bound-flights from six countries including Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

It is feared that Masood was radicalised in Saudi Arabia after travelling there.

Only smartphones measuring less than 16cm by 9.3cm will be exempt.

The move comes after Islamic terrorists repoertedly devised a devastating new laptop bomb that could bring down a jumbo jet.

Who is MI6 chief Alex Younger?

The 53-year-old was appointed to head up MI6 – the branch of the secret service which gathers foreign intelligence –  two years ago.

The spymaster was in charge of counter terrorism for the 2012 London Olympics, having previously served in the Army before joining the country’s security services.

His appointment as Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, or “C”, was believed to be a popular choice at its HQ in Vauxhall.

“He’s very well liked [within the service],” a Whitehall security official told the Financial Times at the time.

He is married with children and enjoys music, sailing and mountaineering.

What is the UK doing to stop ISIS?

According to Mr Younger, security services need to “take the fight to the enemy” and cannot pull up the drawbridge.

He says the UK needs to penetrate terror organisations “upstream”.

“In footballing terms, it’s about always ensuring you are playing in the opponent’s half,” said the top spy.

The UK is part of the Global Coalition – one of 68 partners – committed to defeating ISIS through military action, cutting off funding, stopping the flow of foreigners fleeing to join its ranks and degrading the terror organisation’s jihadist narrative.

The RAF has conducted more than 1,000 airstrikes on ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and on the ground, the UK has trained 30,000 Iraqi soldiers and vetted members of Syrian opposition groups in the fight against ISIS.

Commuters Near Eurostar Train

The last time the UK threat level was upgraded to critical was just before the 7/7 bombings

What to do if you have info on a terror attack?

Members of the public should always remain alert to the danger of terrorism and report any suspicious activity to the police on 999 or the anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321.

If your information does not relate to an imminent threat, you can also contact MI5.

PM on Britain’s response to London terror attack on Westminster

What is the UK terror threat level and has it been raised to critical since the Manchester bombing? – The Sun