London: Britain changed its travel advice for China today, as Interpol warned of a possible Al-Qaeda-style attack or violent disruption from pro-Tibet supporters at August's Beijing Olympics.

"There is an underlying threat from terrorism in China," the Foreign Office said on its travel advice website. Previously London had said the risk was "low". The department, though, said it was not discouraging travel.

The change "reflects both the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks and the possibility of terrorist attacks by groups opposed to the Chinese Government.

"Particularly in the run-up to the Olympic Games, attacks cannot be ruled out, particularly in major urban areas.

"They could be indiscriminate including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers," the Foreign Office added.

Interpol chief Ronald Noble said earlier today that "we must be prepared for the possibility that Al-Qaeda or some other terrorist group will attempt to launch a deadly terrorist attack at these Olympics".

The police chief said a worldwide television audience of billions and a massive influx of foreign visitors could provide "easy cover for terrorists and ensure any attack during the Olympics would have an immediate global impact".

China's minister of public security, Meng Jianzhu, backed Noble's comments today by saying: "There is no doubt that the biggest threat facing the Beijing Olympics is terrorism."

Source : PTI