UK raises terror threat level to 'severe' after Vienna attack leaves three people dead

The UK terror threat level has been raised after an attack in Vienna left three people dead.
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Home Secretary Priti Patel has escalated the level from “substantial” to “severe”, which means an attack on UK soil is now deemed “highly likely”.

It comes after gunmen – believed by Austrian police to have an Islamist motive – killed three and left several wounded on Monday, November 2, as they went on a shooting spree armed with an assault rifle, carrying other handguns, and wearing a fake explosive belt.

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It came on the eve of Austria entering a month-long coronavirus lockdown – a move that England will follow on Thursday.

Ms Patel Tweeted: “The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has changed the UK terror threat level from substantial to severe.

“This is a precautionary measure and is not based on any specific threat.

“The public should continue to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.”

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Downing Street said the potential for putting in additional protections against possible terror attacks in the UK was not discussed at Cabinet briefings on Tuesday, November 3 following the Vienna shootings.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has escalated the level from “substantial” to “severe”. Picture: PA.Home Secretary Priti Patel has escalated the level from “substantial” to “severe”. Picture: PA.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has escalated the level from “substantial” to “severe”. Picture: PA.

The deadly terror attack occurred on the eve of a national lockdown in Austria, with the capital’s streets reportedly particularly busy with people enjoying a final night-out prior to the new restrictions.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said the Home Office had offered its counter-terror expertise to “help Austria with their investigation”.

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Asked whether the UK would be putting in additional measures before Wednesday, the spokesman said: “We are acutely aware of the threat that is posed by terrorism and our police and security services are always working around the clock to keep us safe.”

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He said the UK terror alert level is “kept under constant review” when asked whether it would be raised following recent incidents in France and Austria.

“It wasn’t something that was discussed at Cabinet,” the spokesman told reporters.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer Tweeted: “All our thoughts are with those affected by the terrorist attack in Austria.

“Vienna is a home for diplomacy, culture and openness. Its attackers will be remembered only for their hatred and their failure to divide people.”

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