UK terrorism threat lowered from Severe to Substantial

The decision to lower the assessment from Severe – meaning an attack is highly likely - was made by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC). This is an independent body of experts who evaluate available intelligence alongside terrorist capability and intentions.

Assistant Chief Constable Dan Vajzovic, from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) which is comprised of regional organised crime and counter-terrorism commands, said: “The reduction to Substantial indicates positive developments in reducing the threat from terrorism but still means an attack is likely.

“Counter-terrorism policing has around 800 live CT investigations nationally and 24 attack plots have been thwarted since the atrocity in Westminster in March 2017. So it is vital that we all maintain a high level of vigilance.

“Police need the continued support of the public and all our partners."

He added: “The festive period is fast approaching and, coupled with an election, our towns and cities will be extremely busy. So we appeal to everyone to please remain alert and if you see something that doesn’t seem right, act and contact police at gov.uk/ACT.

“In an emergency always call 999.

“Officers across the Eastern Region will continue to monitor the threat locally and respond appropriately. There will not be any change to our levels of commitment when it comes to protecting our communities.”

In July this year the threat level system was changed to reflect all forms of terrorism, including from right and left-wing terrorism.

The UK was last at Substantial in August 2014. Since then it has been at Severe, rising briefly to Critical on two occasions in May and September 2017.