UK: Christmas terror threat: Shoppers and retailers ‘must help prevent attacks’

UK: Christmas terror threat: Shoppers and retailers ‘must help prevent attacks’

COUNTER-terrorism bosses are urging Christmas shoppers and staff working in busy shops to be extra-vigilant over the festive season at a time when police and M15 are involved in 700 live terror investigations. 

And they have also reminded retailers adequate preparations can prevent a repeat of scenes in Oxford Street last Christmas, when a clash between two members of the public caused panic because people feared a terrorist attack was underway. 

Police say they have no specific intelligence about an increased threat during the holiday period – but are nevertheless planning to increase patrols and deploy specially trained plain-clothes officers, and have stressed they need the help of the public too. Chief Superintendent Nick Aldworth said:  

“As people are enjoying the festive season they will see a visible security presence with police patrols and additional security in crowded places.

They need the help of the public, but they arrest people for offending Muslims.