MI5 has increased the terror threat level in Northern Ireland from “substantial” to “severe”. It means an attack is 'highly likely', according to the alert system.
The move comes after a series of incidents targeting security forces in Northern Ireland, including the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in Omagh last month.
In a written statement to MPs, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said: “MI5 has increased the threat to Northern Ireland from Northern Ireland Related Terrorism from ‘Substantial’ (an attack is likely) to ‘Severe’ (an attack is highly likely). The public should remain vigilant, but not be alarmed, and continue to report any concerns they have to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.”
