Recent UK terrorism‑related incidents reflect a persistent and evolving threat involving online radicalisation, lone‑actor violence, chemical and weapons‑related planning, and increasing involvement of young offenders. These cases demonstrate the importance of strong vigilance, staff awareness, and proportionate protective security arrangements across all sectors.

Recent UK Incidents

  • January 2026: A young offender was convicted after police recovered terrorist instructional material, Islamic State propaganda, ball bearings, and multiple bladed/ improvised weapons.
  • 16 January 2026: An 18‑year‑old admitted possessing terrorist‑useful documents after planning a knife attack on a children’s dance class and exploring a potential IED attack at a major concert venue.
  • 16 January 2026: Another 18‑year‑old in Bristol was charged following an axe attack being investigated for potential terrorist motive, with a separate terrorism trial pending.
  • 20 January 2026: A 21‑year‑old was arrested for preparing terrorist acts and attempting to join Islamic State; bomb disposal specialists later removed a suspicious item from a related property.
  • 29 January 2026: A 21‑year‑old received a life sentence for planning an attack on a major UK shopping centre, having obtained chemical weapon instructions and various bladed/projectile weapons.

These examples highlight risks linked to extremist inspiration, fixation‑based motives, access to weapons, and online radicalisation pathways.

Key Actions for All Organisations

  • Reinforce staff vigilance in identifying hostile reconnaissance and unusual behaviour.
  • Review protective security arrangements, especially for publicly accessible locations (PALs) and high‑footfall areas.
  • Ensure clear procedures for reporting and responding to suspicious items, weapon sightings, chemicals, or concerning online content.
  • Strengthen incident response plans (lockdown, evacuation, communication).

Revisit risk assessments in line with changes to local threats or organisational activity.

How TIAA Can Support You

TIAA’s Security Advisory Team provides expert protective security, risk management and governance support to all sectors, including:

Threat, Risk & Vulnerability Assessments (TRVAs): Evaluating exposure to terrorism, lone‑actor threats, insider risks and site vulnerabilities.

Martyn’s Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025) Readiness: Gap‑analysis, SOP development, proportionate protective security recommendations and training.

Protective Security Reviews: Assessing access control, CCTV, physical security, surveillance, perimeter management and control‑room readiness.

Staff Awareness Training: Recognising suspicious behaviour, hostile reconnaissance, reporting indicators, and responding to major incidents.

Emergency & Incident Response Planning: Lockdown, evacuation, invacuation, communication, command‑and‑control arrangements.

Safeguarding & Prevent‑linked Security Advice: Supporting organisations encountering individuals vulnerable to extremist content or violence.

Contact Us

For advice, support, or to arrange a security review, please contact the TIAA Security Advisory Team or your Security Management Specialist.