‘Overwhelmed’ Prevent at risk of missing threats as referrals rise, UK counter-terror chief says

More than 10,000 cases were expected to be referred to Prevent this year, assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor told the Guardian. Photograph: Sarah Collier/PA

The scheme meant to identify people before they become terrorists is being “overwhelmed” by a large surge in referrals, Britain’s head of counterterrorism has said.

Assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor told the Guardian that more than 10,000 people would be referred to Prevent this year, up more than a third from two years ago.