Fears over New Orleans copycat attack in UK with British police on high alert

The UK must brace for a potential wave of copycat attacks with British counter-terrorism officers remaining on heightened alert following the New Orleans atrocity, a former senior policeman has warned.

The horrifying attack, in which a pick-up truck driver apparently inspired by Islamic State killed 15 people by driving into crowds on Bourbon Street in the US city’s French Quarter on New Year’s Day, has raised fears of similar assaults being carried out in Britain. On the same day, a Tesla truck exploded outside a hotel in Las Vegas in what is also being treated as a terrorist incident.

Police and MI5 fear that State supporters could be inspired to launch knife or vehicle attacks. The UK is already a key target for terrorists, with MI5 overseeing more than 600 active investigations into possible plots and monitoring over 3,000 extremists.

A UK Counter Terrorism Policing spokesperson has stressed that officers “continually assess international events” to evaluate their potential impact on national security.

The UK’s terrorist threat level is currently classified as “substantial,” meaning an attack is considered likely. Armed police are patrolling high-profile sites deemed at risk, with Scotland Yard recently revealing it had disrupted three late-stage terrorist plots in the past year.

Chris Phillips, former head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, told The Mirror: “The US and UK work closely on counter-terrorism issues, and intelligence sharing between the two is vital.

“The New Orleans incident mirrors the Magdeburg Christmas market attack in Germany just weeks ago, and there’s concern that similar tactics could be used here in the UK. Iconic locations are particularly vulnerable, and we have many such sites. Bourbon Street, a popular tourist destination in New Orleans, was likely targeted deliberately.

“London has numerous comparable areas. Bourbon Street, with its bustling nightlife of bars and clubs, is synonymous with a party culture. While we’ve implemented hostile vehicle measures in many locations, protecting every potential target is impossible.

“Key sites must remain vigilant, but there’s always a balance between safety and personal freedoms. Preventing such attacks often depends on timely intelligence, stopping perpetrators before they act.”

William Wechsler, former US deputy assistant secretary of defence, highlighted how the resurgence of Islamic State-aligned groups, such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria, has emboldened extremist sympathisers.

He said: “The Islamic State ideology, which centres on the recreation of a caliphate, holds strong appeal for some.

“When extremists see successes in regions like Syria, it strengthens their belief in their cause and may inspire attacks elsewhere.

“Just a few years ago, Islamic State-inspired attacks occurred in both New York City and London. This threat remains real and is potentially growing, fuelled by news of activity in areas where IS is most active.”

Speaking yesterday, the Counter Terrorism Policing spokesperson reiterated the importance of public vigilance: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the horrific events in New Orleans, including our law enforcement colleagues in the US.

“The terrorist threat level in the UK remains substantial, meaning an attack is likely. We urge the public to remain alert and report anything unusual to the police. Always call 999 in an emergency.

“As expected, we continually evaluate international developments to determine their implications for the UK’s national security.”

The FBI now says the New Orleans truck attacker acted alone in an “act of terrorism” when he drove a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s revellers early Wednesday. The driver had posted videos on social media hours before the carnage saying he was inspired by the Islamic State group and expressing a desire to kill, President Joe Biden said.

The FBI identified the driver as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar.

Officials have not yet officially released the names of the people killed in the attack, but their families and friends have started sharing their stories. About 30 people were injured.

An 18-year-old woman dreaming of becoming a nurse, a single mother, a father of two and a former Princeton football star were among those killed.