The decision to change the threat level is taken by MI5, independently of ninisters, and is understood to be unconnected to the forthcoming visit of Joe Biden to commemorate the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

The raised level follows “an increase in levels of activity relating to Northern Ireland Related Terrorism, which has targeted police officers serving their communities and also put at risk the lives of children and other members of the public.” Mr Heaton-Harris said. He encouraged people to “continue to report any concerns they have to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)”. The Northern Ireland secretary said that the public “should remain vigilant, but not be alarmed”. Northern Ireland’s level had been lowered to substantial a year ago - the first time it had been altered since 2010.

The levels are designed to give an indication of how severe the terror threat is in the country, with five rankings from low to critical. The move followed a rise in dissident Republican activity, including a gun attack last month that left a police officer fighting for his life.Ĭhris Heaton-Harris, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, said the threat is “constantly monitored and is subject to a regular formal review”. MI5 has raised the threat level from “substantial” to “severe,” meaning an attack is regarded as highly likely. The Northern Ireland terror threat level has been raised to 'severe' after recent New IRA attacks.

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