Bondi Beach massacre sparks counter terror Christmas plea in UK city | UK | News

Anyone attending festive events in London this month has been urged by counter-terrorism police, to report anything which does not feel right. The warning comes in the wake of the Bondi Beach massacre, which highlighted the ongoing threat to crowded public events.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner for the Met Police and Senior National Coordinator for Protect and Prepare, Jon Savell, said: “London hosts some of the biggest and most popular events in the UK during the festive season. Crowds of people will be gathering across the capital to attend religious services, carol concerts and more than 70 Christmas markets.

“Sadly, as shown by the appalling attack on Sydney’s Jewish community during a Hanukkah event, we know they can also be a target for terrorist activity. That’s why Counter Terrorism Policing London are asking the public to be vigilant, calling on everyone to play their part in keeping each other safe this festive season through our annual winter campaign.”

The campaign encourages communities to look after one another and trust their instincts by alerting staff or security at a venue or event, or by contacting the police if something feels wrong. Every report is taken seriously; one in five of the reports received last year to the Anti-Terrorism Hotline and the online equivalent, gov.uk/ACT, were passed on to officers for further investigation.

Alongside encouraging calls from the public, there will be regular police patrols before, during and after festive events. The Met is working closely with partners, including the Community Security Trust, to enhance its presence around synagogues and other community venues.

Specially trained counter-terrorism officers, working as part of Project Servator, will also conduct unpredictable and highly visible patrols at the busiest venues and events in London.

DAC Savell added: “Our aim is to make sure as many people as possible feel safe enjoying winter with family and friends, while also being empowered to report any concern themselves, rather than thinking someone else may report it.

“Trust your instinct and speak up if something feels wrong; it could be as simple as alerting staff or security at a venue or event about a concern, or by contacting the police to make a report.”

The attack in Sydney unfolded on the first evening of Hanukkah, December 14, 2025, when a father-and-son duo opened fire on a “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration.

The gunmen targeted a crowd of approximately 1,000 people gathered at Archer Park, killing 15 victims—including a 10-year-old child and a prominent local rabbi—and wounding more than 40 others.

Australian authorities and intelligence agencies have since declared the shooting an act of antisemitic terrorism with suspected links to Islamic State ideology.

The massacre has sent shockwaves through Jewish communities worldwide, as it struck a soft target during a religious festival.

Witnesses described a “bloodbath” as the shooters used high-powered weapons from a pedestrian bridge overlooking the festivities. The tragedy only ended when an unarmed bystander tackled one of the gunmen, allowing police to move in.

In the aftermath, security services in major cities, including London and New York, have immediately increased patrols around religious sites and holiday markets to prevent similar “copycat” or inspired attacks.