UK raises terror threat level to ‘severe’ following Vienna attack

Home Secretary Priti Patel has escalated the UK terror threat level from “substantial” to “severe” following an attack in Vienna that left at least three dead.

By Iain Lynn

Published 3rd Nov 2020, 16:52 BST

Updated 3rd Nov 2020, 16:56 BST

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The change means that an attack on UK soil is now deemed “highly likely”.

It comes after gunmen – believed by Austrian police to have an Islamist motive – killed three and left several wounded on Monday night as they went on a shooting spree armed with an assault rifle, carrying other handguns, and wearing a fake explosive belt.

It came on the eve of Austria entering a month-long coronavirus lockdown – a move that England will follow on Thursday.

Criminal investigators inspect a crime scene in Vienna the day after a deadly shooting spree

Ms Patel tweeted: “The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has changed the UK terror threat level from substantial to severe.

“This is a precautionary measure and is not based on any specific threat.

“The public should continue to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.”