'Britain's poor coastal security risks Mumbai-style terror attack'

London, May 18 (ANI): Britain's poor coastal security is at risk of a Mumbai-style terror attack, a UK Commons Defence Committee report has warned.

"We cannot discount the possibility that the commando-style terrorist attacks in Mumbai and Lahore will become models for attacks here in the UK," The Sun quoted Shadow Security Minister Baroness Neville-Jones, as saying.

Currently, the Royal Navy patrols UK waters and the 7,760 miles of coast with just six warships - three frigates and three minesweepers.

They are backed by two patrol vessels, a support tanker and a "motley collection" of police and coastguard boats.

The report calls for a new "deterrent capability" to protect civilian maritime targets such as ports.

"One group should oversee coastal security and natural hazards, like floods," the Commons report advised.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Defence said it held regular national and local exercises for dealing with incidents - from flood recovery to counter-terrorism. (ANI)