Fears of London terror attacks ahead of G20 meet

London: British luxury hotels are vulnerable to Mumbai-style attacks, senior anti-terrorist officers are warning, ahead of a major relaunch of the Government's counter-terrorism strategy next week.

Security services officials are also judging the threat against the UK to be at the "severe end of severe", just days before the G20 summit in London is due to begin.

The Daily Telegraph has learned that senior counter-terrorism officers are highly concerned about the possibility of attacks by terrorists using automatic weapons on major hotels and other public buildings.

This marks a change in the challenge posed to the security services, which have previously focused on preventing bombings.

The fears have been heightened by attacks by terrorists armed with pistols, grenades and assault rifles on eight sites including a luxury hotel in Mumbai last November.

The attacks have forced anti-terrorist officers to watch for any increase in small arms being smuggled into the UK through ports or remote airfields, where security is more lax.

Officials are also considering issuing guidance to the management of hotels, businesses and other buildings where people gather in large numbers about the best way to protect against terrorist attack.

Security sources have also said the threat of terrorist attack is now reckoned to be at the top end of "severe", the third of four risk levels which rate an attack "highly likely". The only higher rating is "critical".