Politicians warned to be vigilant in run up to General Election as terror attack risk still 'highly likely'

Armed police on the streets of London.
Stefan Wermuth/Reuters

The Government’s counter-terror policing unit is warning political parties to “remain vigilant” about the threat of a terror attack in the run up to the General Election.

Would-be MPs have been warned by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (Nactso), who said the threat level remains at severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.

Terror groups such as Islamic State continue to plan attacks in the UK, with "symbols of state and crowded places" potential targets, Nactso said.

"As the General Election approaches, it is important that individuals and organisations consider their protective security provisions, they remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour and items to police at the earliest opportunity," Nactso said in an update on its website.

"The UK threat level remains at severe, meaning an attack is highly likely. Terrorist groups and individuals continue to encourage individuals to plan and mount attacks in the UK, particularly against symbols of the state and crowded places.

"Low-sophistication, low-complexity methodologies are the simplest to execute and require little or no training.

"We urge the public to be alert but not alarmed and the police service and our partners are doing everything we can to help protect the security of citizens, communities, public institutions and businesses."

Additional reporting by Press Association.

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