ALAMY Scots military cadets have been warned not to wear their uniforms in public amid terror attack fears

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Parents of youngsters in the army, air and sea cadet forces have been issued with letters outlining steps to avoid being targeted by extremists. The letter warns of a serious risk of the cadets – mainly schoolchildren in their teens – being mistaken for regular airmen, sailors or soldiers. One letter to the parent of a Scottish cadet, reads: “Based on the latest security advice, we recommend all cadets cover up their uniform when travelling to and from cadet activity. Personnel should remain vigilant.”

GETTY MoD advised service members not to wear military uniforms in public following Lee Rigby's murder

The parent – who did not wish to be named – said it made his “blood run cold”, adding: “It’s clearly in response to something.”

Based on the latest security advice, we recommend all cadets cover up their uniform when travelling to and from cadet activity Letter sent to Scottish cadet

It is understood from police sources that the letter was prompted by a UK-wide tightening of security procedures following the March 22 attack on Westminster which has seen firearms officers constantly “on-call” for the Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh. Fresh fears of attacks have been raised following the attack by Khalid Masood. The 52-year-old Muslim convert ploughed his car into crowds on the bridge and then stabbed PC Keith Palmer to death before he was killed. Five people died and 50 were injured.

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The police source added: “At face value this letter to the parents of cadets has been sent to alert them to a raised potential for an incident. If I were a parent, of course I’d be worried. But I’d also follow the advice in the letter.” The Ministry of Defence advised British service members not to wear military uniforms in public following the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby, 25, in May 2013. The order was later relaxed. In December 2014, police in Birmingham were told not to wear their uniforms while travelling to and from work after extremists threatened to kidnap and murder an officer. And, last July, a member of the RAF Regiment was approached by two Asian men and threatened with a knife while out jogging near RAF Marham. Terrorism expert Neil Doyle believes the warning is “sensible”. He added: “There have been reports of hostile surveillance and the risk is that frustrated jihadists may go for a soft option.” A spokeswoman for the MoD said: “The advice stands for itself. We can’t comment any more than that.”

GETTY Fresh fears of attacks have been raised following the attack by Khalid Masood