Exclusive: Met to increase police patrols in London with terror level raised from Liverpool hospital bomb

Police patrols in London are set to be “enhanced” as the UK’s terror threat level was increased to severe, following the explosion outside a Liverpool hospital.

The UK’s terror threat level has been raised from substantial after a bomb exploded in a taxi outside Liverpool Women’s Hospital on Remembrance Sunday.

National counter terrorism police are investigating the attack, which was formally declared a terrorist incident earlier today.

Scotland Yard directed LondonWorld to a national police statement, when asked what the Met’s response would be to the increased threat level.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist, from UK counter terror police, said: “The threat level moving to severe means it is highly likely a terrorist attack could happen in the UK.

“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.”

LondonWorld understands this will include policing in the capital - which has been the subject of eight terrorist attacks in the last five years.

The threat level was raised by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), part of MI5, which makes recommendations to the government.

Severe is the second highest alert level below critical.

Dep Asst Commissioner Twist, who is a senior national coordinator with the counter terror squad, added: “This incident has been formally declared as terrorism, and the investigation is continuing apace.

“I want to make clear 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 the incident we saw take place in Liverpool yesterday.

“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, 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.”

It comes after the suspected attacker, who has not been named, died in the blast, which took place just moments before the minute’s silence at 11am on Sunday, November 14.

The taxi driver David Perry, who has been praised for his heroism, survived the explosion and has been discharged from hospital after treatment for his injuries.

There were no other casualties.

Police have since arrested four men, aged 20, 21, 26, and 29, in Liverpool, under the Terrorism Act.

The UK counter terror chief added: “Our thoughts are with the victim, his family and loved ones.

“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.

“We would urge everyone to remain vigilant, and if you do see anything suspicious then please report it, in confidence, to police via the anti-terrorist hotline or gov.uk/ACT.

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