UK terror threat level raised from “substantial” to “severe”

The change means that an attack on UK soil is now deemed “highly likely”.

It comes after gunmen – believed by Austrian police to have an Islamist motive – killed three and left several wounded on Monday night as they went on a shooting spree armed with an assault rifle, carrying other handguns, and wearing a fake explosive belt.

It came on the eve of Austria entering a month-long coronavirus lockdown – a move that England will follow on Thursday.

Ms 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.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “The British people should be alert but not alarmed. This is a precautionary measure following the horrific events of the last week in France and last night in Austria and is not based on a specific threat.

“The first and most important duty of government is to protect the British people.

“We have already taken significant steps to amend our powers and strengthen the tools for dealing with the developing terrorist threats we face.

“That process will continue, and the British public should be in no doubt that we will take the strongest possible action to protect our national security.

“As I’ve said before we face a real and serious threat in the UK from terrorism.

“I would ask the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police.”