ICONIC landmarks such as Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge could be targeted by Islamic extremists, a Wiltshire police inspector has warned.

Devizes inspector Nick Mawson told a public meeting that people should not be complacent about the risks of terror.

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 to 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".

Salisbury Inspector David Minty said there was currently no direct threat.

“There is no specific intelligence to suggest that Salisbury Cathedral is a target for a terrorist attack, however it would be foolish not to prepare given the threat level in the UK”, he said.

“We are working closely with Salisbury Cathedral who have invested heavily in security. The threat level has increased so we’re adapting our preparations”.

Amesbury Inspector, Christian Lange, said: “We need to be realistic. Any public place in the UK could be a target for a terrorist attack.”

Jackie Molnar, Salisbury Cathedral Chapter Clerk, said: "In common with all places in the UK which attract a lot of people, Salisbury Cathedral takes seriously the safety of all its visitors and has always worked closely with Wiltshire Police to make sure we have all the appropriate training and plans in place to deal with any situation that may arise and are aware of possible risks. 

"The recent announcements by Wiltshire Police are part of a Counter Terrorism Awareness week and are not related to a particular threat or recent events.

"However, in line with many other institutions we cannot afford to be complacent and continue to ensure that staff, volunteers and visitors are alert to any potentially suspicious activity."

The National Counter Terrorism Security Office said the threat level to the UK remained at “severe”.