British terror police are on red alert over fears of copycat attacks following the Bondi Beach atrocity.

Counter terrorism chiefs and the security services are monitoring for signs the attack, in which 12 people including one of the gunmen died, could inspire jihadis to carry out more violence.

The Metropolitan Police admitted it is an “awful reality” Jewish communities “continue to face a higher level of threat”.

Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights also known as Chanukah, begins on Sunday evening, with celebrations planned across the UK in the coming days.

The Metropolitan Police will increase patrols around synagogues and other community venues, and Hertfordshire Constabulary said it would have a visible presence at key events in the county following the attack in Sydney, which left 12 people dead and 29 injured.

But critics warned that atrocities “may follow” in the UK because “hate marchers are allowed on our streets weekly with slogans that incite violence” are allowed. Others went further, saying “open incitement” has been “tolerated” by the authorities since the October 7 terror attack in Israel.

Dr Alan Mendoza, Executive Director of the Henry Jackson Society, said: “We have already had an Antisemitic attack of this nature in Manchester on Yom Kippur, so the chances of a copycat incident striking the UK again must be deemed high.

“As long as hate marchers are allowed on our streets weekly with slogans that incite violence, we cannot be surprised that violence may follow.”

Nick Timothy, a former advisor to Theresa May in the Home Office and in Downing Street, condemned the phrase “diversity is our strength” in the wake of the atrocity in Bondi Beach.

He said: “As long as we continue these braindead liturgies, the threat will grow. We need to confront it and defeat it. And that means being honest about Islamists, their beliefs and the networks that nurture them and spur them on. We must destroy it all.

“Look at our cities this weekend. Everyone knows what “intifada revolution” means. Just the same as “honouring martyrs.” Calling for “jihad”. Chanting “death to the IDF” – code for death to all Israelis. Open incitement and antisemitism, tolerated by the authorities.”

Dave Rich, the director of policy at the Jewish charity Community Security Trust, said a “wave of anti-Jewish hatred” had continued to fester after two worshippers died in an attack on a Manchester synagogue in October.

“As much as the government and police are doing things to try to stop this, the fact it is still ongoing means that not enough is being done,” he told Sky News on Sunday.

“We see incitement, we see hatred on our streets – there were protests in this country just this weekend using violent rhetoric and nobody’s being arrested.

“These protests are not being dealt with properly and I think that’s what leaves a lot of Jewish people feeling incredibly vulnerable and, at times like this, incredibly angry.”

The Board of Deputies of British Jews said it was “devastated” by the Sydney attack and was working with the UK government on its response. It added: “The scourges of terrorism and antisemitism are shared, international challenges and need concerted and determined action to defeat them.”

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said the “Met are increasing their visibility in our Jewish communities ahead of any Chanukah events”.

Scotland Yard added in a statement: “It is an awful reality that Jewish communities across the world continue to face a higher level of threat.

“At a time when London’s Jewish communities are coming together to begin the celebration of Hannukah, we know this attack will be the cause of not just terrible upset but also significant heightened concern about safety.

“We were already working closely with partners, including the Community Security Trust, to provide an increased presence around synagogues and other community venues at this important time.

“While there is no information to suggest any link between the attack in Sydney and the threat level in London, this morning we are stepping up our police presence, carrying out additional community patrols and engaging with the Jewish community to understand what more we can do in the coming hours and days.”