‘Soaring threat’ of UK chemical attack from IS

COUNTER terrorism police are preparing for a devastating chemical attack on Britain as they fear Islamic State fanatics may have been inspired by the novichok poisoning.

The Government’s Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre was reported yesterday to have revised its assessment of the likelihood of a chemical weapon attack after hearing ‘chatter’ between senior figures in Islamic State.

Before the novichok attack in Salisbury, JTAC put the risk of a chemical weapons strike by jihadis at 25 per cent. Now it is claimed security sources believe the chance has surged to more than 50 per cent.

Islamic State are said to have been inspired by the poisoning of former KGB agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, by Russian agents in March.

Yesterday Security Minister Ben Wallace told the Mail on Sunday: ‘I have consistently warned that a chemical attack in the UK is getting more likely.’

Counter terrorism chiefs met with emergency services bosses a fortnight ago to ‘war game’ a response to a chlorine bomb being set off on the London Underground.