Armed military police may soon guard the huge gas pipeline at Bacton in Norfolk, as security is upgraded across oil, electricity and gas sectors to counter fears that energy supplies are vulnerable to terrorist attack.

Under government plans, the site would have an attachment of armed military police guards in addition to its own security staff. Protection at other sites, including oil and gas terminals in Humberside and Grampian in Scotland, is expected to be stepped up following a review of security by MI5.