Lone wolf terror fear at the UK’s Xmas markets
Armed police patrols on alert for copycat attacks
COUNTER-TERRORISM officers are on high alert for a “lone wolf attack” against UK Christmas shoppers and worshippers in the wake of the bloodshed in Strasbourg.
Security at Christmas markets, like the large ones in Edinburgh and Glasgow, will be looked at carefully by police.
They fear the horror caused on the streets of the French city by gunman Cherif Chekatt, which left two dead and 12 injured, could inspire copycat attacks.
The UK is high on the terrorist target list, with more than 600 live MI5 investigations into possible plots and 3000 extremists.
The threat of terrorism in Britain has been deemed “severe” and armed police are patrolling Christmas markets nationally.
Lone wolf attackers are most feared because they leave little trace of their plots.
Isis are being hammered in Syria and Iraq but it is feared some are using websites to persuade jihadis to launch attacks in Europe.
A counter-terror source said Isis are now “cornered and desperate”, adding: “Christmas public gatherings are an obvious target. Everyone has to be on their guard.”
Police and MI5 have stepped up their monitoring of hired cars and vans after several vehicle attacks.
Colonel Richard Kemp, a former government adviser on terrorism, said: “This time of year is the highest at-risk period – large crowds enjoying themselves and the Christian aspect.”