Security beefed up after jihadist threat

Police have taken ‘‘further security measures’’ after a Kiwi jihadist urged Islamic State followers in New Zealand to launch attacks on Anzac Day.

In a YouTube video obtained by 3News before it was taken down, Mark Taylor is heard telling Isis sympathisers: ‘‘Now is the time to commence your operations, even if it means you have to stab a few police officers, soldiers on Anzac Day and so be it.’’

Police said they and security agencies had conducted ‘‘a thorough assessment of the video’’.

‘‘We take our responsibility for the safety and security of New Zealanders very seriously and, while we are unable to go into detail, we have already taken further security measures.

‘‘We are satisfied that all appropriate and necessary measures are in place for Anzac Day.

‘‘New Zealanders should feel confident in attending Anzac Day events as planned, while exercising their usual vigilance in light of the current global security environment.’’

Prime Minister John Key told 3 News from Istanbul: ‘‘It just reaffirms what I’ve been saying; that it is a war they’ve been trying to bring to New Zealand.’’

Taylor’s video comes as New Zealand deploys more than 100 troops to Iraq to train up local soldiers in the fight against Isis.

Taylor is known to be fighting for Isis in Syria.

Friends say he is delusional and got most of his training from computer games but his wife in Indonesia claims that he previously served with the New Zealand Defence Force.

In a statement, the New Zealand Defence Force said it was also aware of the video.

‘‘We are reassured that police are working hard to ensure safety at planned events and all appropriate steps are being taken.

‘‘Defence personnel and the public should remain prudent in order to maintain their personal security; however we will continue to pay our respects to the fallen. Commemorative activities will continue as planned.’’