The UK raised the official threat level from Irish dissident republicans on Wednesday from moderate to substantial.
Announcing the change, the home secretary, Theresa May said the new level meant “a terrorist attack is a strong possibility and reflects the continuing threat from dissident republican activity”.
“The main focus of violent dissident republican activity continues to be in Northern Ireland, where they have targeted the brave police and prison officers who serve their communities day in and day out," she continued.
"The reality is that they command little support. They do not represent the views or wishes of the vast majority of people, both in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, who decisively expressed their desire for peace in the 1998 Belfast agreement and have been transforming Northern Ireland ever since."
“However it is sensible, given their stated aims, that the public in Great Britain should also remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. But we should not be alarmed, and this should not affect how we go about our daily lives."