Briton held as Kenya warns of terrorism

Kenya is engaged in military action against al Qaida-linked al-Shabab militants in southern Somalia and reportedly killed 50 in an air strike on Saturday. Security has been stepped up in the city.

In an update to its travel advice, the FCO said: “The Kenyan authorities have alerted the public to a heightened threat from terrorist attacks in Nairobi.

“We believe that terrorists may be in the final stages of planning attacks. Attacks could be indiscriminate and target Kenyan institutions as well as places where expatriates and foreign travellers gather, such as hotels, shopping centres and beaches.

“We strongly advise British nationals to exercise extra vigilance and caution in public places and at public events.”

The FCO gave only brief details of the arrest.

It said: “British counter-terrorism authorities are working closely with Kenyan authorities on the case of a British national arrested on 19 December in Mombasa.

“A team from the UK’s Met Police CT team SO15 deployed to Kenya in late December to assist the Kenyan authorities with their investigation. They have now returned.

“We have also provided consular assistance to the British national.”

The FCO had already cautioned against all but essential travel to Nairobi’s poorest areas, including townships and slums.

The Philippine president has warned of a possible terrorist attack during a Catholic procession in Manila that may draw more than a million devotees.

President Benigno Aquino III told a news conference that terrorists planning to disrupt the procession have been sighted in the capital. He said police are attempting to arrest the suspects and disrupt any planned attack.

Aquino said security will be very tight for today’s procession of an image of Jesus Christ known as the Black Nazarene.