A resurgent al-Qaeda is plotting attacks against Britain with renewed vigour as Islamic State comes under pressure, sources said last night, according to The Times.

Sir Michael Fallon, the defence secretary, also told The Times that the terrorist network posed a “very direct threat” to the UK and Europe.

An offshoot in Syria — the Nusra Front, recently renamed the Fateh al-Sham Front — is regarded by the West as the most potent, with senior leaders believed to be on the ground actively working on attack plans. One figurehead of the group was reportedly killed in a U.S. drone strike on Monday.

The new charge of terror is believed to be led by the group’s former leader Osama bin Laden’s son, who has recently issued audio messages aimed at challenging ISIS’ dominance.

Hamza bin Laden is now thought to be 25 years old and living in Pakistan but he has not been pictured since he was younger. Former director of operations at MI6, Nigel Inkster, told The Times: ‘Al-Qaeda have been rebuilding, quietly and waiting out Islamic State, waiting to see Islamic State come under the pressure it has come under.’