Threat level rises after London attack

The national threat level has been raised to ‘Critical’ in the wake of this morning’s attack on the London Tube system and following an assessment by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC).

While the increase to Critical means an attack ‘is imminent’, Police Scotland have said that there is no intelligence of any specific threat to Scotland, and the response procedures in place are similar to those for recent terror related incidents.

Police Scotland have assured the public that appropriate and proportionate plans are in place to protect people, businesses and public places.

In addition, all significant events taking place over the next few days will be reviewed by the police, in partnership with event organisers, and the security footprint around those events will be increased where that is deemed appropriate.

Armed officers will be deployed as appropriate on foot patrol and at key locations as a precautionary measure.

As in May, when the threat level was raised to critical following the attack at Manchester Arena, Operation Temperer is also being invoked across the UK. This will not involve military personnel being deployed in public places in Scotland.

The First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Justice Secretary Michael Matheson have been fully briefed by the Scottish Government’s Resilience operation and will remain in regular contact with Police Scotland.  The Scottish Government Resilience Room has also been activated.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“Our thoughts tonight remain with those who sustained injuries in today’s attack in London.

“Earlier this evening, I received full briefing regarding the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre’s decision to increase the threat level from severe to critical, and to invoke Operation Temperer.

“The Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) has been activated and will remain in close contact with Police Scotland and the UK Government. Senior officials will meet again tonight to ensure we remain briefed on the practical implications for Scotland and that all appropriate actions are being taken.

“While it is natural that any increase in the threat level is of concern, the public should be reassured that all appropriate precautionary measures are being implemented. My advice to the public is to remain vigilant and report any concerns to the police – but otherwise to go about daily life as normal.”