AUSTRALIA will consider upgrading the nation’s official terror alert after Britain upgraded the risk to “severe” overnight.

Attorney General George Brandis has confirmed that the decision of UK intelligence agencies to increase the terrorism alert level underlined the threat of foreign fighters returning to Australia.

Britain said the increased terror threat reflected concerns an attack was “highly likely’’ although they stressed there was no intelligence to suggest an attack was imminent.

UK RAISES THREAT LEVEL TO ‘SEVERE’

Up to 60 Australians are believed to have fought in Iraq and more than 100 citizens are believed to have been involved in the recruitment of foreign fighters and suicide bombers in Australia.

“It is of serious concern that Australian citizens are active in these groups,’’ Senator Brandis said.

“The Government’s assessment is that approximately 60 Australians are engaged in fighting in Syria and Iraq, with an additional 100 involved in active facilitation and support.

“We remain in close contact with the United Kingdom and other partners about the threat from terrorist groups active in Syria and Iraq and from returning foreign fighters.

“As the Director-General of Security and I have said before, events in Syria and Iraq, and the large number of Australians participating in the conflict means Australia is facing its highest threat for some time.

Australia’s National Terrorism Public Alert System remains at ‘Medium’, which indicates that a terrorist attack could occur.

“This level is under constant review by the Australian Government and is based on advice from security and intelligence agencies,’’ Senator Brandis said.

“Australia’s threat level would be increased to ‘High’ if it were deemed that a terrorist attack is likely to occur.

“The Government is taking all necessary steps to keep Australia and Australian interests safe.”