THE counter terrorism policing (CTP) and UK Intelligence Services have stopped seven late-stage terror attacks since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a statement.
The total number of foiled terrorism plots since March 2017 was 32 – with 18 related to Islamist extremism, 12 to extreme right-wing terrorism and two to left, anarchist or single-issue terrorism, it added.
Statistics from the Home Office revealed there were a total of 188 arrests for terrorism-related activity in the year ending 30 September 2021.
Deputy assistant commissioner Dean Haydon, senior national coordinator for CTP, said: “The UK has suffered two terror attacks in quick succession, with the national threat level raising to Severe – meaning an attack is highly likely. It takes a whole society approach to effectively tackle terrorism, and co-operation between the police and the public is vital, so we need you to be vigilant, and we need you to be alert.
“As we approach the festive period, we need the public to help play their part in protecting the UK. That means trusting your instincts and contacting us if you see something that doesn’t feel right - we get 10,000 reports of suspected terrorist activity from the public every year and around 20 per cent of those are useful intelligence that helps officers stop terrorists.
“I would urge everyone to remain vigilant and ACT by reporting it to us confidentially via gov.uk/ACT or by calling 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999.”
According to the statement, despite the overall reduction in arrests, 25 children were arrested in relation to terrorism offending – the highest number ever recorded in a 12-month period.
DAC Haydon added: “Our research tells us that parents, family members and friends are the first to see the changes in behaviour which might indicate that a loved one is being radicalised. But currently, just 3 per cent of people we help through Prevent come to the programme because of concerns raised by those same people who know them best."
For details-www.actearly.uk
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During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)