Northern Ireland terrorism threat level rises

The terrorism threat level in Northern Ireland has been raised from substantial to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely. The move, based on an MI5 intelligence assessment, follows a rise in dissident republican activity, including a recent gun attack on a top police officer. It reverses a downgrade in Northern Ireland’s terror threat level last March – its first change for 12 years. It was announced by Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris.