Britain reviews security of Anzac Day events after Australian arrests

LONDON (AFP) - Security arrangements for next weekend's Anzac Day commemorations in Britain are being reviewed following terrorism arrests in Melbourne, although there is no specific threat, police said Saturday.

"We already have protective security plans in place for major Anzac events in the UK," said Neil Basu, deputy assistant commissioner for specialist operations at London's Metropolitan Police.

"But as a sensible precaution all forces have been asked to review security arrangements at related events to ensure they are safe and secure for the public and officers.

"While there is no information to suggest a specific threat to related events in the UK - and the current UK threat level remains unchanged - the public should remain vigilant."

The terrorism threat level in Britain is currently classed as severe, suggesting an attack is highly likely.

Two men were held in Melbourne on Saturday for allegedly planning an Islamic State-inspired attack at Anzac Day commemorations, the country's most important national event.

Ceremonies are due to be held across the country, as well as in Britain, home to tens of thousands of Australians and New Zealanders, on April 25 to remember those who served as Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers.

This year's events have assumed added significance with the day marking a century since the bloody World War I Gallipoli campaign in what is now Turkey.

More than 60,000 Australian and New Zealand troops joined an Allied expeditionary landing on the peninsula in 1915, and 11,500 of them never returned.

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