Hostile state threats are rising fast

THE number of national security cases involving activity by hostile states, including Iran, has increased 50% in six months, the head of UK counter-terrorism policing has said.

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One of four replacement ambulances, which are on loan from the London Ambulance Service, arrive at the Jewish Community Ambulance service in Golders Green, London, yesterday

(STEFAN ROUSSEAU/PRESS ASSOCIATION)

The figure was revealed as officials continued investigating whether a suspected Iran-backed group was behind an arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances in northwest London on Monday.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said the number of cases involving National Security Act offences, which includes spying and sabotage for foreign powers, rose by half in the six months to December last year. “We've seen a very significant increase in our work involved with foreign state activity, particularly around that top three of Iran, Russia and China,” he said.