‘Overwhelmed’ Prevent at risk of missing threats as referrals rise, UK counter-terror chief says

Exclusive: Laurence Taylor says separate scheme needed to report concerns over young people’s non-ideological interest in extreme violence

The scheme meant to identify people before they become terrorists is being “overwhelmed” by a large surge in referrals, Britain’s head of counterterrorism has said.

Assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor told the Guardian that more than 10,000 people would be referred to Prevent this year, up more than a third from two years ago.