Security alert over threat to kill police officer

A security alert has been issued to police officers in Birmingham after an anonymous source warned West Midlands Police of a plot to kidnap and murder a police officer

The force responded by urging its members to take extra precautions, such as not wearing uniform while travelling to and from work, the BBC said.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Forsyth said the source was credible and his force would take the matter "extremely seriously".

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"We have taken the opportunity to remind all employees of the need to be vigilant," Forsyth said. "Officers remain on patrol and our staff continue to respond to calls for service as usual."

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said his force has not issued any new advice. Senior officers are analysing the threat, the Daily Mail reported.

Last October the Home Office said that police officers across Britain faced a "substantial" threat. The national terrorism threat level remains at "severe", which means a terrorist attack is "highly likely".