THE UK and US governments warned their citizens of the danger of terrorist attacks in Europe yesterday following a series of terror alerts.
The Foreign Office warned that there was a "high threat" of attacks in countries including France and Germany, rather than the "general threat" previously identified.
Meanwhile, the State Department issued guidance urging Americans to be vigilant when visiting Europe, highlighting the "potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure".
The heightened warnings came after British intelligence officials intercepted a credible al-Qaeda-linked plot last week.
The planned attack would reportedly have been similar to the deadly commando-style raids in Mumbai, India, two years ago, with cities in France and Germany also targeted at the same time.
On Tuesday night the Eiffel Tower in Paris was evacuated following a bomb threat called in from a telephone booth.
It was the second such alert at the tower in two weeks. A search by bomb experts found nothing unusual, and it was reopened within hours.
On Friday, Sweden announced it has raised its threat alert to the highest level ever because of an increased threat of terror attacks.
The Foreign Office advice now states: "Like other large European countries, the French/German authorities continue to consider that there is a high threat of terrorism.
"Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers."
Home Secretary Theresa May urged the British public to report any suspicious activity to help police and security services disrupt the terrorists.
"The first and most important duty of this government is the protection and security of the British people and visitors to the UK," Ms May said.
"As we have consistently made clear, we face a real and serious threat from terrorism. Our threat level remains at severe - meaning that an attack is highly likely.
"I would urge the public to report any suspicious activity to the police in support of the efforts of our security services to discover, track and disrupt terrorist activity."
Ms May said the UK was working closely with the US on counter-terrorism, and its new guidance was "consistent with our assessment".
The US stopped short of recommending that citizens stay away from high-profile sites in Europe - as was thought to have been under consideration. - (PA)