Britain on alert for Bondi Beach copycat attack as gunmen's IS allegiance emerges

ISLAMIC State terror cells are feared to be plotting a Bondi Beach-style massacre in Britain, focusing on Jewish Hanukkah celebrations, Christmas markets and gatherings.

- BY PAUL JEEVES

Counterterrorism officers are on red alert for copycat attacks after 15 people were killed at Sydney’s iconic beauty spot by jihadis Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24.

‘The pair opened fire on hundreds of people who had gathered for the first day of the Jewish celebration on Sunday. Sajid Akram, who had been brainwashed by Islamic State, was shot dead by police, while his son is likely to survive gunshot injuries and face justice.

Australian-born Naveed was linked by authorities to IS six years ago, it was revealed last night.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese added that he “was examined on the basis of being associated with others and the assessment was made that there was no indication of any ongoing threat or threat of him engaging in violence”.

Meanwhile, his mum Verena said she spoke to her son on the day of the attack, saying he told her: “Mum, I just went scuba diving. We're going to eat and then we’re going to stay home because it’s very hot.”

Police forces across the UK have been told Jewish communities “face a higher level of threat”. Hanukkah, the festival of lights, lasts for eight days and celebrations coming up are deemed at most risk.