Britain Steps Up Security For Anzac Day Ceremonies Of April 25 After Terror Arrests In Australia And Release Of New ISIS Video

Britain has tightened security arrangements for Anzac Day scheduled for April 25 after terror-related arrests took place in Melbourne, Australia and a new video by ISIS was released that called for attacks in the U.K. “We already have protective security plans in place for major Anzac events in the U.K,” said Neil Basu, deputy assistant commissioner for specialist operations at London's Metropolitan Police. A stringent security review by the police assisted by Scotland Yard is on at all venues ahead of First World War commemorations.

Commemoration Ceremonies

On Anzac Day, Australians and New Zealanders will observe ceremonies in Westminster and Hyde Park. Scotland Yard said it was reviewing the security in these places. The British commemorations will begin with a dawn service at Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner, at 5 a.m. on Saturday, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph. A commemorative service will be held at Westminster Abbey. Anzac Day ceremonies commemorate Australian and New Zealand Army Corps' First World War battle in Gallipoli (Turkey) of 25 April. This year marks the 100th year of the Turkish conflict.

ISIS Video

Police have taken a serious view of the new propaganda video released by ISIS, featuring the former rapper Denis Cuspert from Germany, who reportedly refers to sleeper cells in Britain, Australia and Germany to go on rampage with a message to the West: “We want your blood, it tastes so wonderful!” Cuspert, who left Berlin for Syria in 2012 provided the soundtrack to the video urging supporters to “do your jihad” in Europe and it also features previously unreleased footage of the killing of British hostage David Haines. The video has now been taken down from YouTube.

Arrest In Australia

On April 18, five Australian teenagers were arrested on the suspicion of plotting an attack at a Veterans' Day ceremony for targeting police officers. All the arrests took place in Melbourne. The suspects included two teenagers, who were allegedly preparing an attack at the Anzac Day ceremony in Melbourne, according to Australian Federal Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Neil Gaughan. The others have been arrested on weapons charges.

The London police said all forces have been asked to review security arrangements at related events to ensure they are safe and secure for the public and officers. Police also claimed there is no information to suggest a specific threat on any venue in the U.K. though the public have been urged to remain vigilant. The terrorism threat level in Britain has been classed as severe, implying that an attack is possible.

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