UK lowers terrorism threat level to ‘severe,’ flags 23,000 possible extremists

Despite a recent report by intelligence officials that 23,000 possible extremists have been identified as living in the country, England on Saturday lowered the terrorism threat level to “severe.” The level was previously listed as “critical.”

British Prime Minister Theresa May has said that the several arrests made, along with a “significant amount” of activity by the police led to the lowering of the threat level.

However, she did urge Britons to remain vigilant over the weekend, stating that British soldiers would guard high-profile events and sites over the weekend.

3,000 ISIS sympathizers, 20,000 ‘residual risk’ suspects

According to reports, around 3,000 of the possible extremists have been named as ISIS sympathizers and officials believe they pose a serious threat. Those suspects are still under investigation, as reported by the Times of London newspaper. However the report went on to say that the 20,000 other possible extremists form part of their previous investigations and are only considered to be a “residual risk.”

As noted by the Deccan Chronicle, officials are continuing to make progress in their investigations relating to the plot behind the Manchester Arena bombing.

Authorities reported on Saturday that with the arrests they have made, they have mostly dismantled the terror cell surrounding the suicide bomber, Salman Abedi. Abedi killed 22 people and injured dozens more at the Ariana Grande concert held in the Manchester Arena on Monday.

More arrests made in Manchester on Saturday

Two more people were arrested by police on Saturday, making a total of 11 suspects in custody relating to the bombing and other potential threats. According to Manchester Police the two suspects, aged 20 and 22, were detained early on Saturday and are being held on suspicion of possible terrorism offenses. All the suspects arrested so far are reportedly male and aged from 18 to around 44 years of age.

In Libya, Abed’s brother and father are still in custody.

Bomb scare in London on Saturday

As reported by Blasting News, Saturday afternoon saw a scare in Britain’s capital, London, when a security threat led to the evacuation of The Old Vic theater during an afternoon performance of “Woyzeck.” “Star Wars” actor, John Boyega, was caught up in the drama of the bomb scare, as he is currently appearing as lead actor in the play. Nothing suspicious was found and the theater held its evening performance as planned.