Northern Ireland terrorism threat raised to severe

The terrorism threat level in Northern Ireland has been raised.

It comes after a Security Service intelligence assessment, follows a rise in dissident republican activity.

It sees the threat level raised from substantial to severe, and the risk of attack or attacks goes from "likely" to "very likely".

In a statement the Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris said: "The threat level to Northern Ireland from Northern Ireland Related Terrorism is constantly monitored and is subject to a regular formal review. This is a systematic, comprehensive and rigorous process, based on the very latest intelligence and analysis of factors which drive the threat. The threat level review takes into account a range of factors and analysis of recent incidents.

"The decision to change the threat level is taken by MI5, independently of Ministers.

"MI5 has increased the threat to Northern Ireland from Northern Ireland Related Terrorism from ‘SUBSTANTIAL’ (an attack is likely) to ‘SEVERE’ (an attack is highly likely).

"The public should remain vigilant, but not be alarmed, and continue to report any concerns they have to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

"In recent months, we have seen an increase in levels of activity relating to Northern Ireland Related Terrorism, which has targeted police officers serving their communities and also put at risk the lives of children and other members of the public. These attacks have no support, as demonstrated by the reaction to the abhorrent attempted murder of DCI Caldwell."

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