Security chiefs calm nerves in wake of Turkey terror plot

Community security chiefs have reassured parents in the wake of news of a plot by Islamic State terrorists to attack Jewish schools in Turkey.

Details of an “active plot” were obtained from six individuals arrested in the Turkish city of Gaziantep last week.

Among the likely terror targets is the Turkish capital’s main synagogue in Beyoglu, which also houses a school and community centre.

An intelligence source told Sky News: “In light of these circumstances, extraordinary security measures are being taken above and beyond the high alert level already in place by the Turkish police, as well as vigilance within the Jewish community. “Undercover and other covert counter-terror measures are being implemented around the clock. This is a more than credible threat. This is an active plot.”

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The intelligence files, seen by the broadcaster, apparently state: “The so-called Islamic State is believed to be behind both sets of attacks and the organisation continues in determined efforts to perpetrate further attacks in Turkey and elsewhere.”

A CST spokesman said: “We discussed the situation with senior police officers responsible for Jewish communities at national and local levels. At this stage, the threat is not yet confirmed and we stress that it relates to Turkey, not the UK. “We fully appreciate the concern that many people, particularly parents of children at Jewish schools in the UK, will have at hearing of this threat, but unfortunately it reflects the reality that we live in and it is why we already have extensive security measures in place. We will continue liaising with schools, with guarding companies and with police to this end.”

At the CST annual dinner earlier this month, the Home Secretary Theresa May announced the continuation of £13.4million funding to pay for security guarding at Jewish schools and other sensitive buildings over the next financial year.