Increase in UK’s Terrorist Threat Level to Severe

Following the Home Secretary's announcement, Police Scotland's Assistant Chief Constable, Mark Williams said:

“This afternoon the Home Secretary announced an increase in the UK’s Terrorist Threat Level from Substantial to Severe, meaning an attack is now deemed to be highly likely.

"The decision has been made following two recent incidents declared as terrorism – the murder of Sir David Amess MP in October and the incident we saw take place in Liverpool yesterday. 

"While the terrorist threat in the UK is diverse, volatile and complex, I would stress at this time there is nothing to suggest there is any specific threat to Scotland.

"I do want to take this opportunity to remind the public not to be alarmed, but to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Police Scotland."

Police Scotland can be contacted on 101 or in an emergency you should always dial 999.

The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) - the UK's centre for the analysis and assessment of terrorism – is responsible for setting terrorism threat levels relevant to the UK.