Terrorism & Malicious Incidents

 

In the UK and around the world the threat of terrorism endures and evolves. The current UK threat level is SUBSTANTIAL. This means that a terrorist attack in the UK is likely. 

Although the chance of being caught up in a terrorist incident remains low, it is important to be prepared and know how to protect yourself if you need to. This is true when you are in the UK but also if you are planning to travel overseas.

Actions you can take to prepare

Check the Counter Terrorism Policing website for public safety advice.

Have a look at the ProtectUK website which provides vital counter terrorism security information for the public, businesses and organisations. This includes specific guidance, and toolkits to help reduce the risk from terrorism to you or your business and your community.

Before travelling overseas, check the country-specific travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and sign up for email alerts. There can be specific terrorism threats in other parts of the world and it is important to be informed.

 

 

In case you are caught up in a firearms or marauding terrorist attack, follow these instructions: -

If you find yourself caught in a Marauding Terrorist Attack (MTA), it is crucial to remain calm and follow the advice provided by authorities to maximize your safety. The general guidance for such situations is summarized as RUN, HIDE, TELL:

RUN:

  • Escape if you can: If you can see a safe route out, leave the area immediately, even if others choose not to. Encourage others to come with you, but do not let their hesitation slow you down.
  • Leave belongings behind: Do not waste time gathering personal items.
  • Move quickly: Get as far away from the danger as possible. Once you are safe, do not return to the danger zone to help others.
  • Consider the safest route: If you know where the attackers are, try to run away from them and use cover (e.g., walls, cars, buildings) as you escape.

HIDE:

  • If you can’t run, find a safe place to hide:
  • Find a location that provides good cover from gunfire or other threats, such as behind thick walls or heavy objects.
  • Lock or barricade yourself in a room if possible and stay out of sight.
  • Turn off lights, put your phone on silent (including vibration), and stay quiet.
  • Be aware of your exits: Know how you might escape if your hiding place becomes unsafe.
  • Stay low to the ground to avoid being seen or targeted.

TELL:

Call emergency services (999) when it is safe to do so. Give them as much information as possible, including:

  • Location: Where you are and where you last saw the attackers.
  • Description: What the attackers look like, how many there are, and what weapons they have.
  • Direction: Which direction you last saw them heading.
  • Do not assume that someone else has already called; your information could be crucial.

 

Additional Tips:

  • Do not stop police or security forces if they are responding to the incident. They are trained to go directly to where the threat is, so follow their instructions and move away from the scene if directed.
  • Keep your hands visible and do not hold anything that could be mistaken for a weapon when approaching security or police.
  • If police arrive and you are hiding, remain where you are until they reach you or it is safe to leave.

Remember:

  • Your priority is to remove yourself from danger if possible.
  • If you cannot run, hide effectively.
  • Tell authorities as soon as it is safe to do so.

These steps are designed to improve your chances of survival in a dangerous and chaotic situation. Authorities like the police and emergency services will be responding to stop the attackers and to ensure public safety, but these actions can help you stay as safe as possible until help arrives.

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