UK beefs up security following bomb attack report

LONDON (AP) -- Security was stepped up at events marking Armed Forces Day across Britain, officials said Saturday amid a news report that officials foiled a bomb attack by the Islamic State group on a military parade in London.

The announcement follows attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait on Friday. At least eight Britons were among the 39 people, mostly tourists, who were killed in the gun attack at Tunisian beach resort Sousse.

The Sun newspaper said police foiled an attack on a London military parade Saturday after an undercover reporter who obtained details on the plot alerted counter-terrorism officials. The paper said that an IS cell leader instructed the Sun's investigative reporter, who was posing as an aspiring militant, to target the parade.

Prime Minister David Cameron told reporters "heightened security" would be deployed at events paying tribute to Britain's military. He didn't elaborate. Police said they were also beefing up security for the annual gay pride parade in London on Saturday.

Police counterterrorism chief Mark Rowley said this was done "in light of recent events," but was "not in response to any specific threat." He declined to comment on individual plots.

Britain's terrorism threat remains at "severe," meaning an attack is considered highly likely.

The number of domestic terrorism-related arrests increased by about a third last year, as police try to halt those joining Islamic extremists in Syria. About 700 Britons are believed to have left the country to join militants.

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