<p><br /> Travellers face a warning about possible terror attacks after both the UK and US governments issued new alerts.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Foreign Office warned that there was a "high threat" of attacks in countries including France and Germany, rather than the "general threat" previously identified.<br /> </p><p><br /> And the US State Department urged Americans to be vigilant when visiting Europe, highlighting the "potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure".<br /> </p><p><br /> The heightened warnings came after British intelligence officials intercepted a credible al Qaida-linked plot last week.<br /> </p><p><br /> The planned attack would reportedly have been similar to the deadly commando-style raids in Mumbai, India, two years ago, with cities in France and Germany also targeted at the same time.<br /> </p><p><br /> Last Tuesday the Eiffel Tower in Paris was evacuated following a bomb threat called in from a telephone booth, the second such alert at the tower in two weeks. A search by bomb experts found nothing unusual and it was reopened within hours.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Foreign Office advice now states: "Like other large European countries, the French/German authorities continue to consider that there is a high threat of terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers."<br /> </p><p><br /> Home Secretary Theresa May urged the British public to report any suspicious activity to help police and security services disrupt the terrorists.<br /> </p><p><br /> "The first and most important duty of this government is the protection and security of the British people and visitors to the UK," she said.<br /> </p><p><br /> "As we have consistently made clear, we face a real and serious threat from terrorism. Our threat level remains at severe - meaning that an attack is highly likely.<br /> </p><p><br /> "I would urge the public to report any suspicious activity to the police in support of the efforts of our security services to discover, track and disrupt terrorist activity."<br /> </p><p><br /> Mrs May said the UK was working closely with the US on counter-terrorism, and its new guidance was "consistent with our assessment".<br /> </p><p><br /> The State Department stopped short of recommending that citizens stay away from high-profile sites in Europe, as was thought to have been under consideration before.<br /> </p><p><br /> "Current information suggests that al Qaida and affiliated organisations continue to plan terrorist attacks," the advice said. "European governments have taken action to guard against a terrorist attack and some have spoken publicly about the heightened threat conditions."<br /> </p><p><br /> It noted in particular "the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure." The department said: "US citizens should take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when travelling."<br /> </p>
