West Midlands Police has stepped up officer patrols across the region after the UK terrorist threat level was raised to 'severe' - meaning an attack is 'highly likely'. The force has increased its presence at key sites, deploying both armed and unarmed officers, as well as plain clothes personnel.
Threat Level Raised Amid Rising Concerns
The terrorist threat level in the UK had been rising 'for some time' before it was raised further on April 30, government officials said. The increase was driven by an 'increase in the broader Islamist and extreme right wing terrorist threat from individuals and small groups' in the UK. The level was raised to 'severe' after two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, North London, this week. Essa Suleiman, 45, has been charged with attempted murder.
Community Reassurance and Vigilance
West Midlands Police has increased officer patrols in the region and promised to 'continue listening to Jewish communities'. A force spokesperson said: 'While there is no specific intelligence or information regarding a threat within the West Midlands, we know that people from all communities and faiths are affected by the uncertainty that national and global events are causing.'
'We will continue to listen to Jewish communities here in the West Midlands, as this week's attack in Golders Green has added to the concern they are feeling. The UK terrorist threat level has been raised to severe - meaning an attack is highly likely. Like forces around the country, we're taking steps to ensure we continue to keep people safe.'
'For the public this means remaining alert but not alarmed. You may notice an increased presence at key sites around the West Midlands, from a mixture of armed and unarmed officers. As always, plain clothes officers will also be patrolling. We and our partners in the security services, and policing nationally, continue to work day and night to protect the public against the threat of terrorism. In an emergency always call 999.'
Government Statement on Threat Level
A government spokesperson added: 'The increase in threat comes following the stabbing in Golders Green in North London, but it is not solely a result of that attack. The terrorist threat level in the UK has been rising for some time, driven by an increase in the broader Islamist and extreme right wing terrorist threat from individuals and small groups based in the UK.'
'While the UK National Threat Level set independently by JTAC reflects the terrorist threat in the UK, it comes against a backdrop of increased state-linked physical threats which is encouraging acts of violence, including against the Jewish community. This is an independent, systematic, and rigorous process, based on the very latest intelligence and analysis of internal and external factors which drive the threat.'
