Anzac security review in UK follows Melbourne counter-terror raids

The security surrounding Anzac Day events in the UK will be reviewed following arrests in Australia of people allegedly planning a terror attack.

Representatives during Anzac Day events in London

Security surrounding Anzac Day events in the UK will be reviewed after terror arrests in Australia. (AAP)

British police are reviewing security operations ahead of the centenary of the Anzac landings following a foiled alleged terror plot in Australia.

The annual Anzac Day ceremonies - commemorating Australian and New Zealand Army Corps' First World War battle in Gallipoli on April 25 - take on extra poignancy this year, marking the 100th year of the Turkish conflict.

Australians and New Zealanders in the UK traditionally observe the occasion by holding services in Westminster and at Hyde Park.

But concerns have been raised after five Australian teenagers were arrested on Saturday on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack on the Anzac Day celebrations in Melbourne.

"Following counter-terrorism arrests in Australia this weekend and allegations of attack planning against Anzac Day commemorations and police officers in Australia, we are reviewing security plans at related events in the UK," Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said in a statement.

"We already have protective security plans in place for major Anzac events in the UK but as a sensible precaution all forces have been asked to review security arrangements at related events to ensure they are safe and secure for the public and officers.

"While there is no information to suggest a specific threat to related events in the UK - and the current UK threat level remains unchanged - the public should remain vigilant."

The Australian government raised the terror warning level in response to the domestic threat posed by supporters of the Islamic State group.

In September last year, the group's spokesman, Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, issued a message urging attacks abroad, specifically mentioning Australia.

Next week's commemorations are due to begin with a dawn service on Saturday at Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph and a commemorative service at Westminster Abbey.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world