Police and MI5 on standby for ‘ISIS type attack’ in UK after New Orleans incident – Daily Record
British counter-terrorism officers are on high alert following concerns of a copycat attack in the wake of the New Orleans horror incident. Police and MI5 are worried that Islamic State supporters could be triggered into launching a knife or vehicle assault after 15 people were murdered when the driver of a pick-up truck sped into large crowds on Borboun Street in the US city’s French Quarter on New Year’s Day. A UK Counter Terrorism Police spokesman said that officers “continually assess international events” to recognize any implications for national security. Britain is high on the terrorist target list, with more than 600 live MI5 investigations into possible plots and over 3,000 extremists.
Chris Phillips, former head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, highlighted that the threat of international terrorism in the UK is “substantial”, meaning an attack is “likely”, and armed police are patrolling popular sites that could be targeted. Scotland Yard revealed that it had stopped three intended terrorist attacks in the late stages of planning in the last 12 months. The US and UK work closely together on terrorism matters, and there are concerns of a potential copycat attack taking place in the UK after the New Orleans incident mirrored the Magdeburg Christmas market atrocity in Germany.
Iconic sites in the UK are being closely monitored for potential threats, with security measures in place in many locations. However, the challenge lies in protecting all iconic sites from individuals who can easily carry out attacks by using vehicles. Intelligence is crucial in preventing such attacks before they occur.
Former US deputy assistant secretary of defence, William Wechsler, pointed out that the rise of Islamic State-aligned groups in Syria has motivated extremist sympathisers, indicating a continued threat of Islamic State-directed and inspired violence. The ideology behind the Islamic State’s vision of recreating the caliphate remains attractive to individuals seeking to carry out attacks in the name of their beliefs.
A Counter Terrorism Policing spokesperson urged public vigilance, emphasizing the importance of reporting anything suspicious to the police. The terrorist threat level in the UK remains substantial, and continual assessment of international events is vital for national security measures.
In summary, the article highlights the heightened alert in the UK following the New Orleans incident and the ongoing threat of copycat attacks by Islamic State supporters. The collaboration between the US and UK in addressing terrorism concerns is crucial, with a focus on monitoring iconic sites and maintaining public vigilance to ensure community safety. Intelligence-led efforts and proactive measures are key in preventing potential terrorist attacks on UK soil.