UK terrorism threat level raised from 'substantial' to 'severe' following Liverpool car blast

The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) confirmed last night that the threat level had changed following the news that a car burst into flames at just before 11am on Sunday.

It also follows the murder of Sir David Amess MP last month.

Although the threat level moving to severe means it is ‘highly likely’ that a terrorist attack could happen in the UK, police want to reassure people that the change is a precautionary measure and not based on any specific threat.

This includes Lancashire or anywhere in the UK.

A spokesperson for the police said: "The threat level is designed to inform the public, and guide the level of response by police and other agencies who lead on public safety and national security.

"We want to reassure you that officers will continue to work day and night to protect you the public against the threat of terrorism.

"We would urge the people of Lancashire to remain vigilant when they’re out and about and report any suspicious activity, in confidence, to police via the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321 or online /act.campaign.gov.uk/.

"In an emergency always call 999."

Police activity in Rutland Avenue in Sefton Park,

On behalf of Counter Terrorism Policing, a statement from Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist, Senior National Coordinator for Protect and Prepare was released on Monday.

His statement read: "On Sunday, we heard the terrible news of an explosion in Liverpool, which killed one man – believed to be the attacker – and injured a second. Our thoughts are with the victim, his family and loved ones.

“This incident has been formally declared as terrorism, and the investigation – being led by Counter Terrorism Policing North West – is continuing apace.

“On Monday, the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) confirmed that the threat level from terrorism has been raised from “substantial”, to “severe”.

“The threat level moving to severe means it is ‘highly likely’ that a terrorist attack could happen in the UK.

"But I want to make clear that the change is a precautionary measure and not based on any specific threat. Whilst we want the public to remain alert, they should not be alarmed by this change.

“We have seen in recent weeks two incidents declared as terrorism – the murder of Sir David Amess MP in October, and then the incident we saw take place in Liverpool.

Police activity in Sutcliffe Street in the Kensington area of Liverpool

"Whilst there is absolutely nothing to suggest any link between these incidents, the fact that two terror attacks have happened in relatively quick succession will have contributed to the intelligence picture that is continually being assessed by JTAC, and subsequently has led to the threat level increasing at this time.

“The threat level is designed to inform the public, and guide the level of response by police and other agencies who lead on public safety and national security.

“I want the public to know that officers will continue to work day and night to protect them against the threat of terrorism.

“The increased threat level activates an enhanced police response that is tried and tested, to ensure that the UK is well prepared and protected.

“Some of this will be visible and involve police officers being deployed to certain places, events and locations, which the public can expect to see over the coming days.

"We will begin to increase the focus of our visible patrols, and implement other security and protection measures.

“Every year, we continue to build on our capability and enhance security arrangements against the backdrop of a consistently high level of threat, working closely with the security services and other partners.

“We are also working closely with our local communities – businesses, faith groups and community groups across the UK – to provide reassurance and seek their support and assistance in keeping the UK safe.

“Communities defeat terrorism, and it remains vitally important that the public remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police.

"Our efforts can only succeed where we have the support of the public, and communities have shown time and time again that they are united in their rejection of those who wish to divide us, and spread hate in the name of extremism.

“So we would urge everyone to remain vigilant, and if you do see anything suspicious then please report it, in confidence, to police.

"It won’t ruin lives, but it may well save them.”

Police activity in Sutcliffe Street in the Kensington area of Liverpool

Four men were arrested under terrorism laws in the Kensington area of Liverpool – three aged 21, 26 and 29, who were held on Sunday, and a man aged 20 who was detained on Monday.

Police have now named the suspected terrorist who blew himself up outside Liverpool Women’s Hospital at the weekend as 32-year-old Emad Al Swealmeen.

Counter Terrorism Police North West said they “strongly believe” Al Swealmeen was the passenger who died when a taxi exploded shortly before 11am on Sunday.

They previously said he was picked up in the Rutland Avenue area of the city and asked to be taken to the hospital.

As the car reached the hospital’s passenger drop-off point, it exploded.

Searches are under way at the Rutland Avenue address and a second address in Sutcliffe Street, which officers have said Al Swealmeen previously lived at.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Meeks said: “Our inquiries are very much ongoing but at this stage we strongly believe that the deceased is 32-year-old Emad Al Swealmeen.

“Al Swealmeen is connected to both the Rutland Avenue and Sutcliffe Street addresses where searches are still ongoing.

“We believe he lived at the Sutcliffe Street address for some time and had recently rented the Rutland Avenue address.

“Our focus is the Rutland Avenue address where we have continued to recover significant items.

“We continue to appeal for any information about this incident and now that we have released his name any information that the public may have about Al Swealmeen no matter how small may be of great assistance to us.”

Detectives have declared it a terrorist attack but said the motive was unclear.

The UK terror threat level has been raised to severe, meaning a future attack is highly likely.