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Fears of a copycat terrorist killing spree like the Berlin lorry atrocity sparked an urgent security clampdown throughout Britain.

Police and MI5 are reviewing intelligence tip-offs, lists of new suspects and contingency plans for how to prevent a mass casualty attack here.

Counter terror officials are revisiting major shopping centres, sports grounds, high streets and crowd events and appealing for locals to be vigilant.

A former British intelligence officer told the Daily Mirror: “If so-called Islamic State could replicate an attack like Nice and Berlin in Britain they would.

“Britain is at the top of the list of targets and anyone who thinks high streets and shopping centres can be hardened up against a similar assault is wrong.

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“The sad truth is that unless MI5 and police can get to a plotter first, get them jailed or somehow stop them from driving a lorry into a crowd, it is too late.

“What can be done is review what happens before an attack is launched and what happens once it is underway. The immediate aftermath is up to the emergency services.”

The Berlin terror attack was branded “appalling” by PM Theresa May as she appeared before MPs on the Commons Liaison Committee.

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Referring to the pictures “we saw very vividly on our newspapers and televisions”, she said: “I think they shocked us all. I just wanted to express our condolences.

“I’m sure the condolences of all of us are with those affected and we have them in our thoughts today.”

Our security source said many major cities like London, Manchester and Bristol have rapid response plans for attacks, involving armed police but rural areas are extremely vulnerable.

(Image: PA)

A number of special forces troops are on standby at a London barracks and similar teams of SAS soldiers are embedded in police forces throughout Britain.

They are there primarily to make an immediate assesment of a terror situation whilst reinforcements are travelling to the scene in case the operation is handed over to the military.

Our source added that MI5 officers will be urgently reviewing incoming intelligence from agents and other members of the public about radicalised suspects or anyone revealing suspicious behaviour.

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Roads will be shut around Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard as police step up security in the wake of the Berlin attack.

From today Constitution Hill, the Queen Victoria Memorial, Spur Road, Link Road and part of The Mall will be closed to vehicles from 10.45am and 12:30pm.

The Met said the measure was a necessary precaution to protect the public and those taking part in the event due to its “high profile in an iconic location with a substantial military presence and attracting large crowds”.

The three-month trial had been planned to be implemented for some time but was brought forward due to events in the German capital.

Alongside the road closures, additional barriers will be in place to maintain security for the guard movements.

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Commander Simon Bray, responsible for security, said: “The Met undertakes a range of different activities including strengthening security and high-visibility policing as part of a counter-terrorist strategy, and it will continue to take whatever action it believes is necessary to protect and reassure the public.”

MI5’s terror alert status has been at “severe” for two years and director general Andrew Parker says the tempo of MI5 counter terror operations is at its highest he has seen in his 33 years in MI5.

The “severe” rating means an attack is “highly likely” and Parker has confirmed he believes not all attacks can be prevented although 12 plots in the past three years have been stopped.

That means MI5 is convinced an attack will happen in Britain and it is only a matter of time.

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The source added: “When a spectacular attack like this happens there is always the fear that a group like Islamic State will want to cash in on the media furore immediately after it.

“There is a real fear of copycats - either ones that were already planning something like this - or others that are inspired by the attack and a lone wolf is the worst as their behaviour may not trigger any alarms.

“If they are not talking about their intention and plans then the vital intelligence through communications will not be picked up by officers.”

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Police throughout the country are also reviewing security staff levels in areas that attract crowds, like shopping centres and nightclubs.

Detectives at Scotland Yard are reviewing security arrangements for events over Christmas and New Year following the Berlin attack and the execution of the Russian ambassador to Ankara on Monday.

German intelligence agencies and counter terror officers are also liaising with other European partners like MI5 to swap notes on the threat.

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Just weeks ago The Daily Mirror revealed that American spooks had warned European crowded events - specifically Christmas markets - are being targeted by Islamic State.

The terror group is thought to be lashing out as it becomes under increasing presure from an assault by an Iraqi-led coalition on its second HQ of Mosul iin northern Iraq and Raqqa, it’s Syria HQ.

Twelve people died after a lorry ploughed into a crowded Christmas market in the German capital in what police believe was a deliberate terrorist attack.

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The carnage came hours after Russia’s ambassador to Turkey was gunned down at a photography exhibition in Ankara.

Police yesterday were quick to try and reasssure the British public that everything is being done to prevent a terror atrocity here during the Christmas festivities.

In a statement morning, the Metropolitan Police said they have “detailed plans for protecting public events over the Christmas and New Year period”.

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The force said: “These already recognise that the threat level is at ‘severe’, meaning an attack is highly likely, and have considered a range of threats, including the use of large vehicles.

"As a matter of routine, as a precaution, we review our plans after attacks overseas, and we are doing so at present following the awful incidents in Berlin and Ankara.”

Up to 100,000 revellers are expected to attend the New Year’s Eve fireworks display and huge crowds of shoppers are expected to flock to the capital for the post-Christmas sales.

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In Manchester, police said they had increased patrols at the city’s Christmas markets, which have almost 350 stalls spread across 10 sites.

Assistant Chief Constable Debbie Ford said police already had a visible operation in place around the markets and in other key areas across the city in the run-up to Christmas.

She said: “We will be working in line with the national response and have strengthened our policing presence at the Manchester Christmas markets and stepped up visible patrols, to ensure that people feel safe to go about their daily lives.

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“I would like to stress at this point that there is absolutely no information or intelligence suggesting any attack is imminent in Greater Manchester. If you do have any concerns at all don’t hesitate to get in touch with police.”

Birmingham’s Christmas market had concrete barriers installed to counter terrorist attacks like that in Nice in July, when a 19-tonne truck was driven into crowds celebrating Bastille Day.

Millions of people are expected to visit the market before it closes on 29 December.

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A West Midlands police spokesman said: “Our officers worked alongside colleagues from Birmingham city council to plan this year’s annual Frankfurt Christmas market.

“As part of this, a number of security measures were agreed before the market opened, including installing some concrete bollards at a number of locations.”

Supt Andy Parsons said: “It is a busy time of year for the city and we want to ensure a safe and enjoyable time for everyone who visits over the festive period,” he said.

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“Police will be working closely with market security staff to share information and to reassure people that there is an adequate police response available if needed.

In London heavily armed officers, clad in grey Kevlar body armour, combat helmets, infrared goggles and balaclavas, were yesterday stationed at spots deemed to be high-risk.

The units, part of the Met’s counter-terrorism firearms unit introduced earlier this year, are armed with lightweight semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, Glock pistols and stun guns.

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The officers also have 140mph BMW S800 GS motorbikes and 12-seater speedboats.

They have been trained to confront marauding gangs of terrorists or lone wolf attacks and will work alongside other UK forces such as the SAS.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan sought to reassure Londoners and visitors to the city that the police force would review all security plans in the wake of the attack.

He said: “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the awful suspected attack on Berlin, particularly those who were injured, the families and friends of those who were killed and all the emergency responders.