UK security

BRITISH Prime Minister David Cameron is to convene an emergency meeting of COBRA today, in the aftermath of last night’s terrorist attacks in Paris.

A decision could be made to raise the current international terrorism threat level from severe to critical, meaning an attack is “expected imminently”.

Security Service MI5 says the main threat comes principally from Al Qaida and related networks, as well as the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL).  The current threat level, described as “severe”, was upgraded from “substantial” last August.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the atrocities in the French capital, which have so far claimed 127 lives and left 300 hospitalised, 80 of whom are believed critical. The group also claimed it was behind Thursday’s twin bombing in Beirut, which killed 46.

Cabinet Office Briefing Room A (COBRA) refers to a civil contingency committee, usually chaired in response to acts of terrorism, and include intelligence assessments from the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, Defence Intelligence Staff, and others.

Mr Cameron deplored the attacks as “horrifying and sickening”, and said the UK government will do whatever it can to help.

“My message to the French people: Nous sommes solidaires avec vous. Nous sommes tous ensemble. We are with you. United.

“I have spoken to Francois Hollande. I expressed our solidarity with France and said we will do whatever we can to help,” he added.

Gatwick Incident

Meanwhile, London Gatwick’s North Terminal had to be evacuated as police dealt with a man acting suspiciously, and who discarded an item at the airport.

The Daily Mail reports that a Venezuelan national was arrested by Sussex Police after being stopped with a live grenade in his possession.

Police would not confirm media reports, but acknowledged that EOD specialists had been called for further examination.

Detective Superintendent Nick May said: "At this time, we are investigating the circumstances of the incident and it is too early to say what the item may be. However, given the events in Paris on Friday evening, there is heightened awareness around any such incident and it is best that we treat the matter in all seriousness.

 "We are aware that there is concern about what has happened in France, but the general threat level remains the same and people should be aware as usual of anyone acting suspiciously."

Irish travel advice

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade urges anyone travelling to Great Britain to take normal precautions. However, as regards terrorist threats, the DFA website notes that an attack is highly likely. “This means there’s still a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates. Additional security measures are in place at airports and throughout transportation networks in the U.K. Travellers may experience delays.”

Visitors to France have today been advised to exercise caution, with a state of emergency declared in Paris. The department says Irish citizens should contact their family and reassure them of their safety, as well as follow orders from local authorities.

“Current information suggests that public buildings and spaces such as galleries, museums and Disneyland will be closed until further notice. Sporting and music events may be cancelled; U2’s Paris concert has already been cancelled.

“Public transport networks are operating, including the Paris Metro, however, there may be serious disruption.”