Garda security chiefs are concerned at the return to Ireland of families from war-torn Syria and Iraq and the “challenge” this will pose to policing, welfare and educational services.

Police forces around the world are beginning to recognise bioterrorism as a serious threat despite sceptics who doubt that preventive measures are needed, the head of Interpol said in Singapore today.

ANTHRAX, sarin and threats of other bioterrorism attacks will be the focus of an Interpol conference starting in France today with police chiefs, counterterrorism experts and health officials from around the world.