OXFORD is a target for terrorists because of its international reputation, the city council has warned.

The authority has chosen to add the threat of terrorism to its 'risk register' – but said there was no reason to be alarmed.

Other new concerns on the document include a potential attack on IT systems by cyber criminals.

It said events including May Morning, St Giles’ Fair and events in South Park could all be targeted.

A city council spokesman said: “Terrorism is highlighted as a risk only because an incident could have a major impact on the city, and, along with all other local authorities, we are duty bound to consider mitigation and response measures for our citizens.

“We work closely with partners including police, have detailed emergency plans in place, and update those plans after reviewing major incidents.”

Currently the threat level in the UK of an international terrorist attack is ‘severe’, which means that an attack is ‘highly likely’.

On the council’s risk register, which is updated every quarter, it is noted: “Oxford is an internationally-known city and is more likely target than cities and towns of a similar size.

“There are several areas where large numbers of people congregate – primary shopping areas and tourist attractions, transport hubs – that may be conducive and prone to attack.”

It said any attack could ‘result in the lock-down of buildings, including council offices, severe travel disruption’ and the need to ‘disperse large numbers of people (to places of safety).’

An emergency plan should be complete by the end of the year.

The council is also formulating emergency plans for council-operated buildings to deal with a terrorist attack, including a lock-down procedure.

All event planning by the council is subject to an evacuation procedure and the council said it is working with Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire County Council on ‘mitigation measures’.

Amongst Thames Valley Police’s advice to spot potential terrorists, they urge people to keep neighbours sight on lock-ups, garages and sheds and whether they see people buying ‘large or unusual quantities of chemicals for no obvious reason’.

Other people who use ‘several mobile phones for no obvious reason’ could be plotting, the force says in official guidance.

Armed officers were deployed at central locations in Oxford city centre following the Manchester Arena bombing last year.

TVP said: “The bedrock of British policing has always been to work with, for, and on behalf of the communities we serve.”