Cops should tell people if they have convicted terrorist living nearby, terror expert says

A TERROR expert wants a law forcing authorities to inform people if they have a convicted terrorist living in their street.

It would be similar to Sarah’s Law — introduced after the Sarah Payne’s 2000 murder by Roy Whiting.

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That allows anyone to formally ask the police if someone with access to a child has a record for child sexual offences.

Chris Phillips, the former head of UK counter terrorism, said: “We need legislation to ensure people have the right to know if a terrorist is living nearby or — even worse — is forming a relationship with a member of your family.”

His call follows a warning that the terror threat in Europe has increased and an IS-inspired UK attack is “likely”.

Mr Phillips went on: “The release of terrorists into the community is a high-risk affair. Some may never offend again but many are still radicalised.

“It’s only right that the public should be informed and that they are not released quietly.”

A report by prison, probation and police watchdogs warns two terrorists or “terrorist risk” offenders are freed each week

We can reveal one such terrorist, Kyle Howe, 27 — who threatened to blow up a mosque — was freed in October despite being deemed too dangerous for early release in 2002.

The report also says there are not enough top officials to oversee the possible terror threat.