Safety advice for residents and visitors

As part of this timely reminder, the metropolitan police says the terrorist threat remains real and there is no room for complacency.

Whilst the threat level has not changed recently, everyone is being asked to remain alert and aware of their surrounding at all times. If something strikes you as suspicious and out of place then trust your instincts and call the police.

The current threat level from international terrorism, as defined by the Home Office, is Severe. This is the second highest state of alert and means that "a terrorist attack is highly likely".

The advice from the police is very clear. If you suspect it, report it. If you think you have seen a person acting suspiciously, or if you see a vehicle, unattended package or bag which might be an immediate threat, move away and call 999.

If you think you have seen something suspicious or you are unsure about somebody's activities or behaviour, however insignificant it may seem at the time, call the confidential anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321.

A textphone service is available for people with speech or hearing difficulties on 0800 032 45 39.

People are advised to store the hotline number in their mobile phone.

Any information passed to the anti-terrorist hotline is treated in the strictest of confidence and is thoroughly analysed and researched before, and if, any police action is taken.

The advice from the Home Office is also very clear: "You should always remain alert to the danger of terrorism, look out for suspicious bags on public transport or any other potential signs of terrorist activity you may encounter. But you should not let the fear of terrorism stop you from going about your day-to-day life as normal. Your risk of being caught up in a terrorist attack is very low."

For further information and advice, visit the police website or Home Office websites.