The UK government on Monday (4) announced a lowering of its terror threat level from “severe” to “substantial” for the first time in five years.
UK home secretary Priti Patel announced the scale-down, which means a terrorist attack is now likely as opposed to highly likely, after an independent analysis by the UK’s Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre after its biannual review.
She, however, urged the British public to remain vigilant as the threat from terrorism still remains.
"Despite the change in the threat level, terrorism remains one of the most direct and immediate risks to our National Security," said Patel.
"Substantial" continues to indicate a high level of threat; and an attack might well occur without further warning. As ever, the public should remain vigilant and report any concerns they may have to the police,” she said.
The UK’s terrorism threat is now at its lowest since August 2014, with substantial the third of five ratings at which the threat levels can stand.
"Government, police and intelligence agencies will continue to work tirelessly to address the threat posed by terrorism in all its forms. The threat level is kept under constant review," Patel added.
Davindra and Seema Misra, and Vijay and Gita Parekh
Varchas Patel with his father Vipin and mother Jayshriben
Hasmukh Shingadia and his wife Chandrika were all victims of the Horizon scandal
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)