There are concerns in the North after the British government was informed to raise the terrorism threat from ‘substantial’ to ‘severe’.
The move has been read to mean that an attack is ‘highly likely’ to happen.
The decision to change the threat level is taken by the British security service MI5.
It comes ahead of an expected visit by US President Joe Biden to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and after the murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in Omagh.
There have been other attempts to kill police officers in recent months.
Northern Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris announced the increased threat level in a written statement.
“In recent months we have seen 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.
“These attacks have no support as demonstrated by the reaction to the abhorrent attempted murder of DCI Caldwell.
“The public should remain vigilant but not be alarmed and continue to report any concerns they have to the PSNI.”
Northern Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris announced the increased threat level in a written statement
The threat level had only been reduced in March 2022 – the first time in a decade – after reduced levels of dissident republican activity.
PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne said that the independent assessment is part of an “ongoing process of monitoring the threat level in Northern Ireland, which is conducted by MI5”.
