PEOPLE in Swindon have been warned not to be complacent about the risk of terror attacks.

It comes after the warning of a fake online news article went viral yesterday - it claimed that ISIS had carried out a terrorist attack in Swindon, resulting in multiple casualties.

But the report was in fact a trick designed to encourage people to click on the link and subsequently download a virus to their computer.

Police officers in the town were quick to spread the word after discovering the fake article and realising its true nature.

They released a blanket announcement across all of their social media channels on Facebook and Twitter in a bid to prevent more people clicking on the link and the warning at www.facebook.com/swindonadvertiser - below - was shared 243 times in just over 24 hours.

Swindon Advertiser:

Now new Wiltshire Police Inspector Nick Mawson has warned that while the county might seem an unlikely target busy towns such as Swindon and iconic landmarks, such as Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral, could be at risk.

Insp Mawson was speaking at Devizes Area Board on Monday evening, at the start of national Counter Terrorism Awareness Week 2015.

He said the awareness week had been planned well in advance but the Paris attacks had put the threat of terrorism at the forefront of everyone’s minds.

He said: “The message is to report anything that is suspicious.

“There is no need to panic but just to be aware.

“Places with large footfalls such as Swindon and iconic locations such as Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral could be potential targets.”

The National Counter Terrorism Security Office said the awareness week, organised by police and other organisations, was aimed at telling the public what is being done to tackle terrorism and how communities can help.

A spokesman said: “Following the recent shocking events in Paris, it is important to highlight the threat level to the UK from international terrorism remains at severe, which means an attack is highly likely.

“The UK has been operating at this level since August 2014 and it is important that following these events all communities remain alert but not alarmed.

“The police and security services are working hard to protect the public and businesses from terrorism, and this week gives us an opportunity to remind communities about this threat and help them to take the necessary steps to stay safe.

“On Thursday efforts will concentrate on the dangers of online radicalisation and how to safeguard those who are vulnerable.

“At the end of the week we will highlight information that will explain how to keep digital gifts safe from external influences.

“We recognise that in these times our relationship with the public - who we depend on for information about suspicious behaviour - needs to be stronger than ever before.

“We are advising the public not to be concerned about the things they are unable to control, but instead to focus on what they can do that will make a difference, and to make sure they know where to get information from the police in a crisis, whether it’s through social media or more traditional ways such as radio and TV.”