Britain’s most senior counter terrorism officer has said media coverage of deadly attacks could be exacerbating the problem and increasing the threat.

Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, said while he did not seek to undermine press freedom, he was concerned that the reporting of extremist atrocities could be unwittingly promoting terrorism.

Mr Basu said he understood the huge public demand for information when a deadly attack took place, but suggested the “relentless” coverage on the mainstream and social media was not always helpful.

His controversial comments come just months after be became embroiled in a row over press freedom following the publication of leaked cables from the former British ambassador to Washington, Sir Kim Darroch.

Mr Basu was heavily criticised when he suggested journalists who published such information could be prosecuted for breaching the Official Secrets Act.

In his latest comments he warned the media against providing blanket coverage when terrorist attack took place.

Speaking at an international conference on counter terrorism in Israel, Mr Basu, said the whole of society, including the media, had a role to play in helping to prevent extremists launching attacks.

He suggested the coverage that followed such an incident might be playing into the terrorists' hands by helping them promote their cause.