At least 10 terror attacks foiled in last decade by Britain’s security services and police

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Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu (right) underlined the threat of terror attacks

At any one time, spies and detectives are dealing with an astonishing 550 “live” cases, said one of the country’s top anti-terror officers.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu underlined the threat of Islamic State terror attacks in European capitals as the extremists face military defeat in the Middle East. 

Mr Basu, the new senior national co-ordinator, said: “We continue to work at a relentless pace with our key partners, currently dealing with around 550 live cases at any one time.

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“The counter terrorism network and security services have successfully foiled at least 10 attacks in the last two years, with 294 convictions for terror-related offences.”

[We are] currently dealing with around 550 live cases at any one time

Neil Basu – Senior national co-ordinator

In February, then-home secretary Theresa May said police and security agencies had disrupted seven terrorist plots to attack the UK in the previous 18 months.

Using a different term for Islamic State, Mr Basu said: “As soon as Daesh started to lose on the battlefields abroad, it was clear their tactics would be directed closer to home.

“The evidence has been plain to see with the horrors suffered repeatedly by those in France, Germany and Belgium.”

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Aerial view of the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)

“The UK counter terrorism network has had to also focus on many other issues, including domestic extremism and the rise of the far right as well as managing the risk posed by other extremist groups,” 

“The continuing threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism and Al Qaeda also remains present, with supporters of both seeking to act.”

The authorities depend on the support of the public to successfully confront the threat, Mr Basu said.

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MI6 building in Vauxhall, London

He added: “Despite all of our essential prevention work it is a sad fact that terrorist attacks can and do happen. 

“But if the worst were to take place we are ready, both to respond with maximum effect and to recover.”

The number of armed police is increasing “dramatically” across the UK, he said.

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We are ‘currently dealing with around 550 live cases at any one time’, says Basu

By being better equipped “we are better able to reach a scene quickly, gain control and stop the threat”.

Mr Basu concluded: “The only way for us to prevent terrorism in this country is for the police to be the public and the public to be the police. 

“Communities will defeat terrorism. Strong, cohesive communities, whatever their religion, race, creed or colour, working together to keep this country safe.”