Police have reportedly foiled a suspected terror attack on soldiers protecting King Charles in what has been described as a "huge security scare". A man was arrested on separate offences before police discovered his alleged plan while he was in custody.

The arrest came as soldiers at Victoria Barracks near Windsor Castle, Berks, were reportedly warned not to leave the grounds in uniform. A source told The Sun: "The suspect is feared to have been plotting an attack.

"Police informed bosses at the barracks and measures were taken immediately despite him already being in custody. It was a huge security scare. But it was in the interests of everyone's safety."

Victoria Barracks is only a few hundred yards from Windsor Castle and is the home of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards. It's understood the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is "aware" of the incident. British soldiers are trained to always exercise high levels of personal security, reports The Express.

The Sun reports Thames Valley Police first arrested the 20-year-old suspect on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and arson at the Salt Hill Activity Centre. It's understood the man is a "lone actor" and no other arrests have been made.

However, while in custody he was re-arrested on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts on Sunday June 1, and the investigation is now being headed up by Counter Terrorism officers.

The arrest comes as the Mail Online reported British paratroopers were reportedly warned there was a terror threat against them and told not to wear their uniforms because of "outdated intelligence" from police. The news site said officers in Nottinghamshire intercepted online messages which concerned a paratrooper, and a message had been sent to soldiers responsible for security at a base in Colchester, Essex.

According to reports, the message said a suspect wanted "to carry out a 'Lee Rigby' style attack" and warned troops not to wear military clothing, but police now say it was issued following "outdated intelligence".

The news outlet reported that a message had been sent to the soldiers responsible for security at the base, reading: "Urgent. All, please disseminate to all your people in camp. We have received warning that a man has made threats against members of the Para Regt and wants to carry out a 'Lee Rigby' style attack.

"The SCC [Security Control Centre] and main gate have been informed but ensure no Para Regt/military clothing is worn outside camp and remain vigilant." Fusilier Lee Rigby was killed on the streets of Woolwich, south-east London, in May 2013. Michael Adebowale and Michael Adebolajo ran the 25-year-old soldier over close to Woolwich Barracks before stabbing him to death in broad daylight.

A Nottinghamshire Police spokesman said on Friday evening: "This story relates to outdated intelligence and does not relate to any current threat or investigation."

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "The safety and wellbeing of our personnel is our top priority. We are aware of an online threat, which is being investigated by the civilian police. Personnel are always advised to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the Royal Military Police."

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