Attacks in the UK and abroad remind us all of the terrorist threat we face, which in the UK is considered as ‘severe’, meaning an attack is highly likely.  Police and security agencies are working tirelessly to protect the public but it is also important that communities remain vigilant and aware of how to protect themselves if the need arises.  National Counter Terrorism policing is providing advice to the public on the steps they can take to keep themselves safe in the event of a firearms or weapons attack.

The police service has released the short public information film called Stay Safe: Firearms and Weapons Attack which sets out the key options for keeping safe should the worst happen.   Please click on this link to view http://www.npcc.police.uk/NPCCBusinessAreas/WeaponAttacksStaySafe.aspx

The film advises those who get caught up in an incident to ‘run, hide and tell’ - guidance which can be applied to many places and situations.  We know that from case studies and real life testimony based on the experiences of people who have survived attacks the advice given in the film has saved lives.

Our advice, wherever possible, is to follow the Run Hide Tell guidance until the police arrive on the scene.  The guidance recommends RUN, if you can, if you can’t run, HIDE and then, when you can, TELL the police what’s happening so they can get help there quickly to stop the threat.  Also tell others of the threat so they don’t approach danger. However, if someone is in immediate danger and their life is being threatened we would never criticise their actions if instinct takes over and they feel the need to fight back.

The intention of the film is not to unnecessarily scare the public but to ensure that they know what steps to take in the event of being involved in firearms or weapons attack.  It is only responsible that the police issue this public safety guidance as they would do with any other personal safety issue.

“We urge the public to be alert but not alarmed by the threat, and reassure them that the police service carries out daily activities to help maintain the protection and security of our citizens, public institutions, critical national infrastructure, and businesses and places, including those who are potential terrorist targets.”