People urged to stay 'alert' in crowded spaces ahead of Christmas
Police chief reveals plans to ensure public safety
Last updated 30th Nov 2021
The UK is urged to be vigilant in crowded spaces as the festive season begins, after the UK's terrorism threat level has been raised to 'severe'.
Police officers advise the public to not panic but stay 'alert', trust their instincts and report anything that doesn't seem right.
Senior Met Police officer Matt Twist said: "I want to stress that the increased threat level is not specific to the Capital, so people should still go out and enjoy everything London has to offer at this time of year.
"But I would ask that you stay alert, and help us to keep you safe by being our extra eyes and ears.
"If you see or hear something that doesn’t seem right, then trust your instincts and report it."
The Met Police announced they will step up patrols across London, including dedicated counter-terrorism deployments - though the threat level isn't specific to the capital.
Both unarmed and armed police patrols will focus around festive events, busy shopping areas and transport hubs - following the car crash at a Christmas parade in Wisconsin that killed five people.
On 15th November, Home Secretary Priti Patel announced the UK's terror threat level was raised from 'substantial' to 'severe', following a terrorist attack at a hospital in Liverpool.
This was the second terrorist attack the country has seen in the past few weeks, including the stabbing of Conservative MP Sir David Amess in Essex.