UK’s TERROR ALERT GOES
Latest hit is the fifth in Britain this year
Britain’s terror alert has been upgraded to “critical” as officials brace for another possible attack on the heels of a terrifying subway explosion ignited by a crude, homemade bomb that injured at least 29 people and sparked a fevered manhunt for whoever was behind the blast.
Prime Minister Theresa May said British terrorism intelligence officials raised Britain’s national threat level to critical last night after they determined “a further attack may be imminent.” ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack.
The morning rush-hour terrorist attack — the fifth in England this year — sent panicked commuters running for cover after authorities said an improvised explosive device left inside a bucket in a supermarket cooler bag exploded on a crowded subway car.
The train was entering Parsons Green station in southwest London, heading toward central London, when the bomb burst into flames around 8:20 a.m. local time. It reportedly had a timer attached, but it was not immediately clear whether it detonated as planned or earlier than intended.
Twenty-nine people were injured, most suffering flash burns, but no one was killed — unlike the other terror attacks this year that left dozens dead and scores more hurt. Although police immediately launched a manhunt, the individual who caused the blast was still at large last night.
Great Britain last hiked its threat level from severe to critical in the wake of the deadly bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester that killed 22 people and injured hundreds.
May said London’s Metropolitan Police have asked the military to pitch in to beef up patrols around the city and more than the usual contingent of uniformed officers will be armed.
“Terrorism is a great challenge of our times but by standing together we will defeat it,” May said in a statement yesterday evening.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned what he called an “evil and cowardly” attack, urging residents to remain vigilant.
“I utterly condemn the hideous individuals who target innocent people and attempt to use terror to harm us and destroy our way of life,” Khan said.
“Rest assured the full resources of our police and security services are being deployed to track down those responsible. They will be caught and brought to justice.”
Since 2005, Britain has been the target of terrorist attacks more than half a dozen times.
London’s subway system has also been a target in the past, such as in 2005 when suicide bombers attacked