The UK threat level from terrorism was today reduced to ‘substantial’ for the first time since August 2014, indicating positive developments in reducing the threat from terrorism.

Head of counter-terrorism policing, assistant commissioner, Neil Basu said: “Counter Terrorism Policing has around 800 live CT investigations nationally and 24 attack plots have been thwarted since the atrocity in Westminster in March 2017. So it is vital that we all maintain a high level of vigilance and continue to invest in strong protective security measures to deter future attacks.

“Police need the continued support of the public and all our partners. The festive period is fast approaching and, coupled with an election, our towns and cities will be extremely busy. So we appeal to everyone to please remain vigilant and if you see something that doesn’t seem right, act and contact police at gov.uk/ACT.

“Officers will continue to monitor the threat locally and respond appropriately. There will not be any change to our levels of commitment when it comes to protecting our communities.”

The threat level has been at ‘severe’ since August 2014, and was briefly at ‘critical’ on two occasions in May and September 2017.

Threat levels are designed to give a broad indication of the likelihood of a terrorist attack.

• LOW means an attack is highly unlikely
• MODERATE means an attack is possible, but not likely
• SUBSTANTIAL means an attack is likely
• SEVERE means an attack is highly likely
• CRITICAL means an attack is highly likely in the near future

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