UK: Terror threat level now critical

LONDON Britain raised its terror threat level to “critical” earlier this week, meaning a new attack is believed to be imminent, and soldiers are being deployed to assist armed police, British Prime Minister Theresa May said.

“It is a possibility we cannot ignore that there is a wider group of individuals linked to this attack,” she said after a suicide bomber killed 22 people and injured 59, including children, at a pop concert late Monday in Manchester.

Addressing the nation from her Downing Street residence, May said armed police who would usually protect strategic points would be replaced by members of the armed forces under Operation Temperer.

“This means that armed police officers responsible for duties such as guarding key sites will be replaced by members of the armed forces, which will allow the police to significantly increase the number of armed officers on patrol in key locations.”

“You might also see military personnel deployed at certain events such as concerts and sports matches, helping the police to keep the public safe,” she said.

The terror threat level was previously set at “severe”, which means an attack is highly likely. A “critical” level means an attack is expected “imminently”.

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