Governments around the world are joining the UK and US in warning their citizens who are travelling in, or intend to travel to, Europe to be vigilant. Warnings have been issued because of fears that an attack on major cities by al-Qaida may be imminent. Japan has warned its citizens to be careful when visiting tourist attractions or travelling on public transport. Sweden has issued similar advice.

Authorities in the US have said they believe cities in the UK, France and Germany could be targeted. Last week, security agencies said the attacks could be similar to the ones which took place in Mumbai in 2008.

The Foreign Office in the UK has placed the country on a severe threat level and has placed Germany and France on high alert for those travelling to the countries. In France, the threat level is on ‘reinforced red’. This is the second most serious threat level, but French officials said there was no reason to increase the level to ‘scarlet’ at the current time.

Germany’s minister for the interior, Thomas de Maiziere, said in Berlin that there was no reason to be too alarmed by the current situation; adding that there was no concrete evidence that a terrorist attack was definitely imminent. He went on to say that security forces would continue to be vigilant.

Roberto Maroni, Italy’s interior minister echoed his German counterpart. He said security forces would continue to keep a close eye on the situation, adding that Italy would remain on high alert for the time being.