Highest ever terror alert for the police

Police forces across Britain have been warned that they may be targeted in terror attacks.

The threat against police has been raised to severe, the highest level yet, with police chiefs considering the more widespread deployment of Taser stun guns as an additional security measure, The Guardian reported.

Police patrols of Jewish communities in Britain are also to be stepped up amid “heightened concern” about the risk of an attack following the last week attack in Paris, Britain’s top counter-terror officer said. Extra security measures will be taken at Jewish schools.

The threat of officers being targeted by a terrorist in Britain was raised to substantial in October, and on Friday was elevated further to severe, meaning an attack on a police officer is highly likely.

It is the fourth highest of five levels and follows an assessment by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre based within MI5.

British Prime Minister David Cameron in his joint press conference with US President Barack Obama in Washington on Friday confirmed his backing for extra security measures to protect the Jewish community.

Asked whether the measures were based on specific threats, Cameron said, “We don’t give a running commentary on specific threats, but these steps were taken because of what happened in Paris and because…it’s the right thing to do.”