Security services deal with ‘100 terror threats per week’
The UK head of counter-terrorism says British security services are now dealing with 100 potential terror offences each week, with more than half involving referrals into de-radicalisation programmes.
The head of counter-terrorism in the UK says there has been a step change in Syria-related activity, with a growing problem of young, impressionable individuals being radicalised online.
Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley says the security services are now dealing with 100 potential terror offences per week, with more than half involving referrals into de-radicalisation programmes.
Outlining the state of play, Mr Rowley says there have been 218 arrests so far this year, higher than the annual average, with police now running exceptionally high numbers of investigations.
- 16 have been charged with terror offences after returning from Syria.
- 66 individuals who have been reported missing by their families are believed to have gone to join Isis or other extremists groups.
- Mr Rowley says: “Dozens of families have contacted us. It is only though courageous action like that that we can help.”