The terrorism threat level in Northern Ireland has been reduced from severe to substantial.
It means an attack is likely, as opposed to highly likely, with the decision to change the threat level taken by MI5.
NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris announced the decision and said it was a “comprehensive and rigorous process”.
He said it was based on the “very latest intelligence and analysis of factors which drive the threat”.
“The fact that the threat level is being lowered is testament to the tremendous efforts of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and MI5 to tackle Northern Ireland related terrorism,” he added.
“This positive step reflects the commitment of communities from across Northern Ireland to build a safer place to live and work.
“As ever, the public should remain vigilant and report any concerns they may have to the police.
“There remains a small group of people determined to destabilise the political settlement in Northern Ireland through acts of terrorism.”
What are the threat levels?
- CRITICAL means an attack is expected imminently
- SEVERE means an attack is highly likely
- SUBSTANTIAL means an attack is a strong possibility
- MODERATE means an attack is possible, but not likely
- LOW means an attack is unlikely
MI5, rather than the PSNI or the government, is responsible for setting the Northern Ireland terrorism threat level, which it has been publishing since 2010.
MI5, the UK’s Security Service, is believed to review the threat level every six months.
Threat levels are designed to give an indication of the likelihood of a terrorist attack and there are five rankings ranging from low to critical.
Mr Heaton-Harris said the “government, police and intelligence agencies will continue to work tirelessly to address the threat posed by terrorism in all its forms”.
“The threat level will be kept under constant review.”
The terrorism threat level in Northern Ireland had been raised from substantial to severe in March of last year.
That followed a rise in dissident republican activity, including a gun attack on a police officer.
Det Ch Insp John Caldwell was shot several times by two gunmen as he was putting footballs into his car boot having been coaching a youth training session in Omagh, County Tyrone in February 2023.
He has led high-profile inquiries into murders, organised crime and dissident republicans.
