Travellers warned of attack plans in Nairobi

UK anti-terrorism police have been working with the Kenyan authorities following the arrest of a British national in the country, it has emerged.

The news comes as the Foreign Office warned of potentially imminent terror attacks in the capital Nairobi.

The Kenyan authorities are engaged in military action against al-Qai'da-linked al-Shabab militants in southern Somalia and reportedly killed 50 in an air strike on Saturday. Security has been stepped up in the city.

In an update to its travel advice, the FCO said: "The Kenyan authorities have alerted the public to a heightened threat from terrorist attacks in Nairobi.

"We believe that terrorists may be in the final stages of planning attacks. Attacks could be indiscriminate and target Kenyan institutions as well as places where expatriates and foreign travellers gather, such as hotels, shopping centres and beaches.

"We strongly advise British nationals to exercise extra vigilance and caution in public places and at public events."

The FCO gave only brief details of the arrest.

It said: "British counter-terrorism authorities are working closely with Kenyan authorities on the case of a British national arrested on 19 December in Mombasa.

"A team from the UK's Met Police CT team SO15 deployed to Kenya in late December to assist the Kenyan authorities with their investigation. They have now returned.

"We have also provided consular assistance to the British national."

The FCO had already cautioned against all but essential travel to Nairobi's poorest areas, including townships and slums.

PA