It's claimed jihadis could launch a chlorine bomb on the London Underground after "chatter" between IS senior figures was intercepted.
According to The Mail on Sunday, the terror group is said to have been "inspired" by the poisoning of ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in March this year.
Prior to the Salisbury novichok attack, the Government's Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre put the risk of a chemical weapons attack at 25 per cent – but sources told the paper this has now surged to 50 per cent.
It's also claimed a simulation of the aftermath of a chlorine bomb attack has been carried out by emergency services over fears of a detonation on the London Underground.
When a chlorine bomb is detonated, low level exposure results in burning sensations to the eyes, nose and throat, as well as dizziness, nausea and vomiting, while higher levels can cause fatal lung damage.
The threat is reportedly "so severe" that terror chiefs secretly met with emergency services bosses two weeks ago to "war game their response to such an atrocity".
It's reported the recent simulation involved commuters being killed as chlorine gas swept through trains and platforms, with many more dying as passengers tried to escape.
It was estimated that up to 100 lives could be lost in such an attack, with hundreds more injured, according to the report.
A security source involved in the exercise told the Mail on Sunday: "The chlorine vapour would be very localised and would last a few minutes before it evaporated.
"While fatal, the stampede to get out of the Tube station would cost far more lives than the chemical. That’s why it is important to educate people about the threat of these weapons. The more they know, the less inclined they’ll be to panic."
Security Minister Ben Wallace told the paper he has "consistently warned" that a chemical attack in the UK is getting more likely.
"We have well-tested plans to respond to an attack and minimise the impact, should an incident occur," he said.
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