THAMES VALLEY residents can expect public protection they ‘won’t see’ after the UK terror level was raised.

The threat level is now at ‘severe’ following the terrorist incident in Liverpool on Sunday, November 14, in which a suicide bomber named as 32-year-old Emad Al Swealmeen died attempting to attack a Women’s Hospital.

This means it is ‘highly likely’ that a terrorist attack could happen in the UK but senior police chiefs have stressed this is a “precautionary measure” and “not based on any specific threat.”

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Asked what residents can expect in light of the raising of the threat level, a Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “The UK terrorism threat level has been raised from Substantial to Severe.

“This is a precautionary measure following the recent attack in Liverpool, which is still being investigated.

“It is important to understand that there is no specific intelligence to indicate an immediate threat against any location or individual within the Thames Valley. However, we and our partners will continually review this.

“The threat level is designed to inform the public, and guide the level of response by police and other agencies who lead on public safety and national security.

“The public can be reassured that officers from across the Thames Valley and the country continue to work day and night to protect them against the threat of terrorism.

“There will be some public protection measures that our residents will see, but some of our measures won’t be visible.

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“We all know that communities defeat terrorism, therefore if you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right, please report it.

“Counter Terrorism policing has an initiative called ACT, which encourages the public to report suspicious activity. More information and online reporting can be found at gov.uk/ACT.”

The investigation into the explosion at the Liverpool Women’s Hospital, led by Counter Terrorism Policing, is continuing.

The circumstances were that shortly before 11am on November 14, a local taxi driver picked up a fare in the Rutland Avenue area of Liverpool.

The fare, a man, had asked to be taken to the Liverpool Women’s Hospital which was about 10 minutes away.

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As the taxi approached the drop off point at the hospital, an explosion occurred from within car, which quickly engulfed it in flames.

This was the second terrorist incident within a month following the fatal stabbing of Sir David Amess in Southend on October 15.