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Police have been put on alert they could be targets of an Islamic State kidnap plot after the attempt to abduct an RAF serviceman.

The National Police Chief’s Council said forces had been told of the “heightened risk” and to “stay ­vigilant to possible dangers”.

It would not reveal specific advice “as doing so would only benefit those who wish to undermine it”.

Police are now said to have the DNA of at least one of the two attackers who tried to drag an airman into a car at knifepoint at RAF Marham, Norfolk.

The married serviceman, in his late 20s, beat one of them so badly he was left with his blood on him.'

(Image: Getty)

Police officers were yesterday warned they could be the targets of an Islamic State kidnap plot following the attempted abduction of an RAF serviceman.

Forces across the country were put on alert by the National Counter Terrorism Policing Headquarters amid fears an officer could be snatched by extremists.

A spokeswoman for the National Police Chief’s Council said forces were reminded of the “heightened risk to our workforce” and to “stay vigilant and alert to any possible dangers”.

It came after a serviceman fought off two men of “Middle Eastern appearance” who allegedly tried to abduct him on Wednesday close to the RAF Marham base in Norfolk.

Police reportedly have the DNA of at least one of two attackers who tried to bundle him into a car at knifepoint after he beat one of them so badly he was left with blood on him.

The married serviceman, who is in his late 20s, was out running when he was grabbed by a man, who tried to drag him towards a dark people carrier.

He knocked the first attacker to the floor and an accomplice, carrying a knife, helped him up before both men fled. The serviceman was said to have been left “very, very shaken by his ordeal”.

Police are urging anyone walking or driving along Squires Hill, near to Costcutters in Marham, around the time of the incident to come forward.

Military personnel have been ordered not venture further than a mile from their compounds alone following the incident, “keep a low profile” and not wear their uniforms in public.

Counter-terrorist investigators are determined to avoid a repeat of the murder of soldier Lee Rigby outside his Woolwich barracks in south east London three years ago.

The country’s most senior counter-terrorism officer last year said police across Britain would be given advice in briefings about their personal security.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said: “Every officer will be given a fresh briefing on their personal security.

“It is about common-sense precautions such as not linking in social media and your personal life that you are a police officer.

“If, for example, when off duty an officer is involved in a local Guides or Scouts group or a local football team, then do not make it obvious that you are a police officer.”

A spokeswoman for the National Police Chief’s Council said: “Since October 2014 when the threat level to police officers and staff was heightened, we have been regularly reiterating the heightened risk to our workforce and reminding them to stay vigilant and alert to any possible dangers. We are asking them to follow existing policies and good practice. You will see no major changes in the way we continue to police the UK and engage with our communities - our emphasis is on vigilance.

“For security and operational reasons, we would not reveal specific security advice as doing so would only benefit those who wish to undermine it.”