U.K. raises terrorism threat level to “severe” after stabbing attack

The U.K. has raised its national threat level from “substantial” to “severe” following a stabbing attack that wounded two Jewish men in Golders Green, a residential area in northwest London, on Wednesday. Officials cited the increasing threat of Islamist and extreme right-wing terrorism in the country.

In a government statement, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the attack as “abhorrent” and a “vile act of terrorism.”

“I know this will be a source of concern to many, particularly among our Jewish community, who have suffered so much” the statement reads.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan also expressed solidarity with the Jewish community.

“We are doing everything possible to protect our city and keep all of our communities safe,” the mayor said in a statement on X.

He noted that the ‘severe” rating is “the second-highest level of security preparedness in the UK and means an attack is highly likely.”

The stabbing incident came a month after an arson attack in the same area targeted four emergency response vehicles belonging to an independent Jewish community ambulance service.

This is a developing story and will be updated.