A terror attack in Northern Ireland is now "highly likely" after MI5 raised the terror threat level of "severe".
The move up from substantial was confirmed by Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, just weeks before the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
He urged the public to "remain vigilant" but said they should "not be alarmed" by the move.
It follows an increase in attacks targeting police officers and the wider public, including the brutal attack on Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell.
The dad hadn't been on duty when he was shot in front of his son, but had been loading footballs into his car after taking a group of youngsters for a training session.
Today's decision to raise the threat level was taken independently of ministers.
In a written statement to MPs, the Northern Ireland Secretary 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.”
He added a “small number of people remain determined to cause harm to our communities through acts of politically motivated violence” as the terror threat level was raised.
“Over the last 25 years, Northern Ireland has transformed into a peaceful society.
“The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement demonstrates how peaceful and democratic politics improve society.
“However, a small number of people remain determined to cause harm to our communities through acts of politically motivated violence.
“In recent months, we have seen an increase in levels of activity relating to Northern Ireland-related terrorism, which has targeted police officers serving their communities and also put at risk the lives of children and other members of the public.
“These attacks have no support, as demonstrated by the reaction to the abhorrent attempted murder of DCI Caldwell.
"I pay tribute to the tremendous efforts of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and security partners, and the determination and resilience of the Northern Ireland people, who are making Northern Ireland a safer place to live and work. The political future of Northern Ireland rests with the democratic will of the people and not the violent actions of the few. Together we will ensure there is no return to the violence of the past.
Senior officer DCI Caldwell had been coaching a youth football team at a sports centre in Omagh, County Tyrone, in Northern Ireland.
He was a well-known officer who has led investigations into murders, organized crime and the dissident paramilitary campaign.
Earlier this week, the officer was said to remain in a "critical but stable condition".
Thirteen arrests have been made but no one has been charged yet after DCI Caldwell sustained a number of bullet wounds to his torso and underwent surgery for his wounds following the attack.
Police believe the New IRA was responsible for the attempt on DCI Caldwell’s life on Wednesday February 22, despite reports that a number of those arrested thus far come from a loyalist background.
A chilling statement claiming responsibility for the attempted murder was pasted on to a wall in Derry on February 26. The message purporting to be from the self-styled "IRA" surfaced in the city, and was signed off "T O'Neill" - a signature synonymous with dissident republican paramilitaries.
Simon Byrne, Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said: “This is part of an ongoing process of monitoring the threat level in Northern Ireland, which is conducted by MI5. We have spoken publicly about the number of attacks that have taken place in recent months, not least the attempted murder of DCI John Caldwell on February 22.
“We will relentlessly pursue those who seek to cause harm and terrorise our communities, and attack my officers and staff, and I pay tribute to them as they continue to deliver for our communities.
“I would also like to thank the community and political leaders of Northern Ireland for their overwhelming support for the Police Service in recent times.”
