More police to hit streets in response to Brussels - but terror alert stays at severe
MORE police officers will patrol Britain's ports, airports and railway stations in response to the Brussels terror attacks - but the UK's terror threat level is not about to rise.
The aftermath of the Brussels airport explosion
Prime Minister David Cameron called an emergency COBRA meeting this morning to discuss the attacks on the Belgian capital’s airport and metro system which has left at least 34 people dead.
The current threat level for international terrorism is severe, meaning an attack is highly likely, and the PM did not raise the level to critical, which would have meant an attack was expected imminently.
However, more police will patrol the UK's entry points and transport hubs.
Cobra is meeting after the Brussels attacks
Suicide bombers detonated explosives in Brussels Airport and the city's Metro station, killing 24. A separate attack at Malbeek metro station has left 10 feared dead.
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel has posted on Twitter: "We are following the situation minute by minute. The absolute priority is for the victims and people who were at the airport."
The Brussels attacks have killed at least 21 people
The blasts took place four days after the arrest in Brussels of Salah Abdeslam, suspected of being involved in November's Paris massacre that left 130 people dead and more than 300 injured.
Abdeslam's accomplice Najim Laacheaoui, who was in hiding with the Paris terrorist in the Brussels district of Molenbeek, is still on the run.
Belgian police had been on alert for any reprisal action.
The news comes as the Metropolitan Police confirmed it would put more police on London’s streets.
Footage shows destruction of Brussels TERROR attack
Our thoughts are with the people of Brussels
Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, the national lead for Counter Terrorism Policing, said:
“Our thoughts are with the people of Brussels following this morning’s horrific attacks.
“As a precaution forces across the UK have increased policing presence at key locations, including transport hubs, to protect the public and provide reassurance. This is not in relation to any specific information or intelligence.
“In London specifically, the Metropolitan Police Service has mobilised additional officers, who will carry out highly visible patrols at key locations around the Capital including the transport network.The number of officers deployed will be regularly assessed.These additional officers are deployed as part of reassurance measures.
Injured people at Brussels Airport
“The police presence across London and the rest of the UK is constantly under review.
“We are in close liaison with the Belgium authorities and will continue to monitor the situation.
“The threat to the UK from international terrorism remains at severe as it has been since August 2014, meaning an attack is highly likely.
“We urge the public and businesses to be alert but not alarmed and report anything suspicious to the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency always call 999.”