Foreign Office warns UK tourists to 'stay alert' over 'high threat' this weekend

UK tourists visiting Sweden and Denmark have been told to "remain vigilant" while visiting countries as they face a "high threat". The Foreign Office has warned UK nationalsto stay “alert at all times” as Sweden tightens its security for Eurovision on the BBC this weekend.

A statement by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) reads: “The Eurovision song contest will take place in Malmo from 4 May to 11 May. There will be a greater number of people in Malmö during this time.

“Travel around the city may be affected by travel control systems, or protests. See safety and security information if you plan to be in Malmö, or attending the event.” It went on: “There is a high threat of terrorist attacks globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times."

READ MORE UK tourists in Spain risk £5,000 fines over little-known '200 litre' water rule

It added: “Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Sweden. Attacks could be indiscriminate in places frequented by foreigners. The authorities in Sweden have successfully disrupted a number of planned attacks and made a number of arrests.”

The Foreign Office issued a similar warning for travellers in Denmark, warning that Britons stopping in Copenhagen should be on alert too. This year's UK entry for the Eurovision Song Contest took to the stage in Swedish city of Gothenburg for the event's semi-finals.

Olly Alexander will represent the UK at the competition, following Sam Ryder in 2022 and Mae Muller last year, when the UK finished second from bottom and Liverpool played host to the event, which takes place each and every year.

Irish Eurovision Song Contest fans were elated by Bambie Thug becoming the first contestant from the country in four years to make the final. The Cork-born singer achieved the feat with a witchy-infused staging of Doomsday Blue at the semi-final on Tuesday in Malmo, Sweden.