The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has raised the UK’s terrorism threat level to “severe” amid a sustained increase in threats from “broader Islamist and extreme right-wing terrorists.”

The level was raised from “substantial”—meaning an attack is likely—to “severe”—the second-highest of five levels—indicating an attack is “highly likely” within the next six months.

The development follows a stabbing in Golders Green, North London, on Wednesday.

“But it is not solely a result of that attack,” the Home Office said in a statement on Thursday.

It added, “While the UK National Threat Level set independently by JTAC reflects the terrorist threat in the UK, it comes against a backdrop of increased state-linked physical threats, which is encouraging acts of violence, including against the Jewish community.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the stabbing of two Jews by a rampaging 45-year-old man on Highfield Avenue in Barnet, London, as “a vile act of terrorism.”

Ms Mahmood expressed worry that the increase in the national threat level “will be a source of concern to many, particularly amongst our Jewish community, who have suffered so much.”

She said the UK government had increased funding to strengthen security for Jewish communities, including at synagogues, schools, and community centres.

“In light of yesterday’s attack and a spate of vile antisemitic arson attacks in London, the government is investing an additional £25 million in funding to protect Jewish communities against horrific antisemitic attacks,” she stated.

According to her, this has raised funding for the Jewish community to £58 million this year—the largest on record.

“And we will do everything in our power to rid society of the evil of antisemitism,” she stated.

The home secretary also announced that in the coming weeks, legislation would be fast-tracked to crack down on individuals responsible for “hostile attacks.”

Ms Mahmood assured the public that the police and “world-class security services” were working to keep the UK safe, urging them to remain vigilant and report any concerns.