The terrorism threat level in Northern Ireland has been lowered from “severe” to “substantial”, marking the first reduction in 12 years. 

The decision was made by MI5 after a review and was announced by Brandon Lewis, the secretary of state for Northern Ireland.

Mr Lewis said: “This is the first time the threat level in Northern Ireland has changed since 2010 and shows the significant progress that Northern Ireland has made, and continues to make, towards a more peaceful, more prosperous and safer society.”

Although the move will be viewed as a reflection of policing successes, “substantial” still means that a terrorist attack is “likely” and could happen without further warning.

Mr Lewis said that now “is not a time for complacency. There is still a minority who wish to cause harm in Northern Ireland. As ever, the public should remain vigilant and report any concerns they may have to the police.”

The head of the Police Service of Northern Ireland welcomed the decision.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “The independent assessment means the threat has moved from an attack is ‘highly likely’ to ‘likely’.

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“The successes that we have achieved over recent years in preventing attacks, investigating and pursuing groups including the New IRA has brought us to where we are today.

“Unfortunately, there is still a small group of people within our society who are intent on causing harm and dragging Northern Ireland back to the past. We will continue to pursue those individuals and bring them before the courts.”

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