Prime Minister Gordon Brown today warned that security will have to be stepped up in preparation for potential terrorist attacks.

Users of major rail stations, shopping centres and football stadiums face tougher restrictions on movement under plans announced by the Prime Minister to beef up security in busy places.

Assessments for security upgrades will start with the nation's 250 busiest rail terminals. These include Oxford and Didcot Parkway.

The move follows June's attempts to attack a crowded London street and an airport terminal in Glasgow.

Mr Brown said: "Just as the terrorists use every method and the very freedoms we enjoy to kill and maim people, so we must also adopt new tools to beat the terrorists."

A review by Security Minister Lord West has identified a need for extra protection against car bomb attacks in key transport interchanges and other crowded places.

It proposes the installation of heavy duty barriers, vehicle exclusion zones and making buildings blast resistant.

Passengers in some large rail stations are likely to face searches and extra baggage screening.

New guidance will be sent to thousands of cinemas, theatres, restaurants, hotels, sporting venues and commercial centres, and all hospitals, schools and places of worship.

Mr Brown, speaking in the Commons, said rooting out terrorism and strengthening the resilience of communities to resist extremist influence would require "not just military and security resources but more policing and intelligence, and an enhanced effort to win hearts and minds".