Britain raises terrorism alert level at transport hubs

Britain raised its terrorist threat level at major transport hubs from substantial to severe, local media reported Friday.

British transport police cancelled their leave and called in extra officers as rail stations and airports were put on high alert after intelligence reports suggested terrorists could be planning Mumbai-style gun attacks.

"We will police accordingly and use a range of covert and overt tactics which remain under constant review," a Scotland Yard spokesman said.

A spokesman for the Home Office said there was a continuing need for everyone to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police.

The terrorist threat level to Britain has remained at its second highest level of "severe" since January 2010, which means an attack is highly likely. But security officials said there was no imminent threat, and this was more precautionary than anything else.

Last week, nine alleged terrorists appeared in a London court accused of plotting a Christmas bombing campaign targeting landmarks, including the Stock Exchange and Big Ben.

There are five levels of threat in Britain, including critical, severe, substantial, moderate and low.

Source: Xinhua