US raises terror alert to new height

The US terror alert was today raised from elevated to high for only the second time since September 11 following intelligence warning of an al Qaida attack on 'soft' targets.

President George Bush ordered the increase after receiving 'specific' information corroborated by multiple sources - pointing to a possible terror strike in mid-February, during the Muslim holy period of Hajj.

US Attorney General John Ashcroft said: "There are also indications bolstered by the recent arrests in London where the chemical ricin was discovered.

"These indications demonstrate al Qaida’s interest in carrying out chemical, biological and radiological attacks."

He said targets could include hotels, apartment buildings and other "lightly secured" areas.

Mr Ashcroft told a press conference in Washington: "Al Qaida is still determined to attack Americans."

The alert now stands at orange, the second highest code behind "severe"

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It was previously raised to orange last September to coincide with the first anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon.

US Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said there would be increased security at airports and government buildings.

Intelligence officials have reported an increase in the "sheer volume" of terrorist activity or "chatter", which now rivals that seen before the September 11 attacks.

Officials said they had no information regarding specific terrorist threats and no indication of a time, place or manner of any attack.

Mr Ashcroft said they were not recommending that events be cancelled, and people should not change their travel, work or recreational plans.

But Mr Ridge urged Americans to "take some time to prepare for emergencies".

He suggested that families devise plans for contacting one another if separated by an emergency.

"Terrorist attacks can really take many forms," he said.